It’s been a hot minute since Illenium has pleased his fans with some melodic bass ecstasy, but his second single of 2020 and the first solo release since his latest album is finally here. Featuring Annika Wells on vocals, ‘Nightlight’ combines impassioned lyrics with Illenium’s signature grandiose percussion, making for an easily recognizable staple from his discography.
Notably, the single sees a more organic sound from his foundational years (the Ashes era) return, with more involved drums and climaxes that flow naturally from verses. Nevertheless, even while going back to his roots, Illenium manages to add some modern spice, creating a warmer and mature soundscape than anything you’d hear in his earlier works.
‘Nightlight’ marks the first release under Illenium’s new partnership with label 12Tone Music, after he announced his departure from Astralwerks a few days ago. Perhaps the label move will herald in a new era of Illenium’s iconic sound: combining the old with the new.
