True Magic by salute was undeniably the standout Electronic project of 2024. Featuring 14 brilliantly crafted tracks, True Magic captures the essence of a dancefloor experience like no other. By inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its vibrant atmosphere, this project feels like being in an arcade with your closest friends testing out all the exhilarating driving games or a Dance Dance Revolution tournament.
Throughout the project, the unmistakable influence of Japanese culture comes alive and makes itself obvious with the careful selection of Japanese samples and Japanese collaborators like Nakamura Minami on “go!” & Rina Sawayama on “saving flowers”. This collaboration with Rina perfectly follows the intro track “start”, guiding fans through the enchanting journey that is True Magic.
The supporting cast for True Magic feels like the ensemble for an A-list Hollywood film, showcasing an impressive lineup of features including Disclosure, piri, Karma Kid, and Sam Gellaitry. With such an array of talent contributing to this project, True Magic is sure to leave a long lasting impact on the electronic music scene.
salute’s ability to bring this project to life is remarkable, evident not just in the studio recordings but also in their electrifying performances and DJ sets. That Good Sh*t had the honor of experiencing True Magic live at Brooklyn Steel back in October 2024 during salute’s US tour run and we were left completely stunned and insanely inspired. The visual production and expansive sound design make witnessing salute live an absolute must for electronic music lovers.
If there’s one thing I enjoy about projects like this, it’s experiencing the new artists and sounds that come with it. Track 7 “true magic, bonus round” (although an interlude track) transports you to another world. As the only Drum and Bass track on the project, it upheld its responsibilities keeping the listener engaged, the body moving, and taking the project to a new level. The closing tracks “perfect” & “drive” are represented by LEILAH. Featured across other amazing electronic projects from Mura Masa & SBTRKT, LEILAH is an artist with the potential to be a blueprint vocalist in new electronic music. Her closing 2 tracks on True Magic never fail to put me in my emotions and press replay on the entire album just to relive those moments.
Massive appreciation to salute for putting together True Magic , an Electronic project that will have a special place in my heart and will live in the hearts of other electronic music lovers for years to come.
