Lane 8 has officially released his fifth studio album, Childish, today, marking a fresh creative chapter for the acclaimed electronic producer. Inspired by the carefree and unfiltered creativity of his children, Daniel Goldstein (Lane 8) returned to a mindset he first experienced in his youth, focusing on joy and spontaneity in the music-making process. He explained that parenthood has been an eye-opening experience, as watching his children create freely reminded him of the unpressured approach he once had towards art.
This new album represents a deliberate move away from the pressure to meet audience expectations, as Goldstein sought to tap into a more instinctual and playful side of his creativity. The album’s artwork was created by his seven-year-old daughter, Heidi, adding a deeply personal touch to the project. Released on This Never Happened, the album includes collaborations with notable artists like Art School Girlfriend, Arctic Lake, and Kasablanca.
The LP showcases Lane 8’s signature sound that has developed over the years and Childish is a wonderful refinement of said sound. Whilst there are some spectacular singles felt throughout the project, there are also tracks that are not sensational – which is perfectly fine when presented in an album. It would have been good to hear some sounds beyond what Lane 8 has presented over the years, even if his signature sound is so good.