Intense Records

24 Hr Sports (Translucent Red Vinyl)

BIG CROWN RECORDS
BCR133LPC2
Funk / Soul / Disco
12"

£19.16 (£22.99 incl. VAT)

Leon Michels has quietly become one of the most sought-after producers in music. His signature sound has caught the attention of the mainstream while continuing to inspire the underground. Since 2023s El Michels Affair & Black Thought album Glorious Game, Michels has been busy producing records for other artists; Norah Jones Grammy winning Visions, Clairos Grammy nominated Charm, Kali Uchis Moonlight, as well as albums for labelmates Brainstory, Derya Yldrm & Grup imek, Thee Heart Tones, and Liam Bailey. Hisnew album 24 Hr Sports marks the highly anticipated return to recording under his own moniker, El Michels Affair. 24 Hr Sports was inspired by the fashion and graphic design of 80s & 90s Sports Illustrated magazines, MF DOOMs Special Herbs albums, the sample sources used on them, and gospel music a la Pastor T.L. Barrett. The sum of those influences with Michels impeccable creative touch prove to be the recipe for an instant classic that will surely be one of the most heralded releases of 2025. 24 Hr Sports sees a significant departure from the largely instrumental music of the El Michels Affair catalog with a roster of vocal features that manages to mirror the undefinable genre of his music. The first one on the album is Mgica which features Brazils Rog. He takes the already pumping energy of the track over the top with his ftbol inspired lyrics. Moving from Brazil to Ghana, Say Goodbye features Florence Adooni who touts her individuality with an effortless swag jumping between Frafra and English. Labelmate and world-renowned trumpeter from The Roots, Dave Guy joins the 70s groove of Oakleys Car Wash with his distinct horn lines before the track switches lanes, closing with a dubby outro. From raucous to serene, Anticipate featuring Clairo picks up on the musical synergy between her and Leon that created 2024s Charm album. Clairo rides signature EMA arrangements perfectly as she pines for an unattainable love over the bands airtight instrumentation. Eastside is a song that could soundtrack a sunrise over the ocean, putting Leons tasteful use of space and arrangement on a pedestal. By way of Japan, The Suginami Childrens Choir join in on the lush Clean The Line singing a song about the moon, the sun, and birds. Next, Cortex kicks in the door with gritty distorted guitars and thundering drums that puts a moment of pure cinematic intensity in the middle of the album. Leon himself handles lead vocals on Shining, a song about looking for a friend to share the joys of a sunny day with. The universally adored Shintaro Sakamoto is featured on Indifference, a swanky tune built on bouncing basslines and flute chops. Shintaro uses the arrangements to go from singing to speaking, musing over a fleeting love. The Grammy winning duo of Norah Jones and Michels reunite on Carry Me Away with Jones' honeyed vocals soaring over a track that is hard to place but easy to love. Leon leans into El Michels Affair territory on the tune that sounds decidedly different from the Norah Jones records he has produced. Take My Hand puts gospel influence front and center with the Fabulous Rainbow Singers choir on the chorus and a saxophone solo from the late great Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Open Season, a mid tempo, piano driven number with group vocals chanting we want the gold, we want the gold... could soundtrack a slow motion highlight reel, while the aptly titled album closer Victory Lap is a dreamy euphoric wind-down worthy of the record that just finished. When all is said and done, the trophy on the cover of the album speaks volumes. El Michels Affair is champion sound and 24 Hr Sports hammers that homeTRACKLISTINGSide A1. Drumline2. Mgica feat. Rog3. 24 Hr Sports Theme No. 14. Say Goodbye feat. Florence Adooni5. Oakleys Car Wash feat. Dave Guy6. Anticipate feat. Clairo7. Eastside8. Clean The LineSide B1. Cortex2. Shining3. 24 Hr Sports Theme No. 24. Indifference feat. Shintaro Sakamoto5. Carry Me Away feat. Norah Jones6. Take My Hand7. feat. Rahsaan Roland Kirk8. Open Season9. Victory Lap