SG Lewis - Anemoia

Utilising sounds of the past is not a new skill for SG Lewis, but romanticising that melancholic but yearning feeling for an era long gone is the driving force behind his latest full-length, ‘Anemoia’. Opening with the aptly titled ‘Memory’, a funky, slow-grooving instrumental sets the stage for an immediate declaration of intent: “A longing for a past, not your own past, a past you've pieced together from fragments.” It sounds lofty, even abstract, yet what follows is one of the most blissed-out collections SG has ever curated.

Where debut LP ‘times’ offered pure disco-drenched dancefloor escapism, and follow-up ‘AudioLust & Higher Love’ pushed him towards big, chart-ready pop, ‘Anemoia’ ventures into the serene space of chilled trance house. Lead single ‘Back Of My Mind’ introduced the campaign with introspective, reflective tones, while tracks like the sunset-hued ‘Past Life’ and the sweeping, expansive ‘Fallen Apart’ show an artist unafraid to linger in subtle, quiet moments.

That’s not to say the high-energy cuts are missing - far from it. The explosive synth hook of ‘Sugar’, a fruitful reunion with Shygirl, anchors the album’s dance credentials, and the next two tracks build a solid core of high-energy soundscapes. ‘Transition’ is a gloriously unsteady rush, layering distortion and warble over thick bass, disco guitars, and guest vocals; ‘Devotion’ then builds from sharp, insistent keys into gradual, full-bodied euphoria.

The latter bears the unmistakable imprint of TEED, whose influence also shapes much of the album behind the scenes. SG’s ability to tap into his deepening creative relationships shines throughout, perhaps boosted by the collaborative spirit of last year’s Heat EP with Tove Lo. Here, he seamlessly shares space with heavyweights like London Grammar and Oliver Sim without ever losing the cohesion of his evolving sonic identity.

With Anemoia, SG Lewis continues his unbroken streak of quality contributions to British dance and electronic, but this record marks a shift away from his previous trajectory and towards consistent contemplation, intricate world-building, and a masterful balance between humility and earned confidence. These tracks feel purpose-built for immersive live experiences - and when SG eventually brings them back to UK stages, expect a revitalised show that reflects the album’s unique blend of nostalgia and forward motion.