HOT SINCE 82 - Obsessions (Knee Deep In Sound)
Daley Padley started his relationship with electronic music and clubbing at the tender age of 14. Rising to stardom took an “accident” at a party when the music was cut short. He came to the rescue by plugging in his phone and unintentionally played one of his unfinished tracks. The crowd’s reaction gave him the push he needed to pursue a release, and Hot Since 82 was born. Hot Since 82 became a leading figure of the “deep house” era of the early 2010s, reigning in the 120-122 BPM range with numerous successful releases and remixes, which continued in the tech house dominance that followed. What should also be attributed to him, eventually, is the fact that he played an instrumental role in paving the way for the melodic techno explosion of the mid-2010s by exploring a more emotional range of frequencies and production techniques.
HS82 - “Obsessions” album cover.
Padley has become a superstar and a household name. He filled all the big stages, nailed the important residencies, traveled the world, reached millions of streams, and by doing so, he opened the door to a more mainstream crowd influx in the electronic music realm. I have played several Hot Since 82 tracks back in the day - I could always detect an underlying battle between darkness and light, the commercial and non-commercial sound. It almost felt like he was somewhat restricting himself to fit the image the industry had given him.
“Obsessions” is his fourth album, which was released via his own Knee Deep In Sound. It seems it has emerged after vital self-searching, resulting in freedom. His signature sound, style, and production trademarks are all there: immersive basslines, evocative vocals, the long breakdowns, the distinctive releases. But he strips away the pyrotechnics of a big career, connecting with his roots and delivering his most introspective album to date. “Obsessions” is more of an emotional excavation than a peak-time club tool. That particular sense characterizes the whole record, exposing his ability to navigate through house, deep house, electronica, breakbeat, and even touches of ambient soundscapes. My personal favorites were the nostalgic “Life’s Too Short” and “Shaded.”
Ultimately, “Obsession” is a commercial album that succeeds within its own paradox. Who is the artist when the big lights are turned off, when they retreat to isolation after performing in front of thousands, after spending so much time navigating impersonal airports? Hot Since 82 turns his favorite music into a sanctuary, a healing process, his safe space. A much-needed reset button after years of perpetual motion.
