Inspired by the four phases of the moon, Berlin-based, Ireland-born DJ Sara Miller’s debut EP Lunar Theory is a radiant quartet of stirring house songs informed by the German capital’s notoriously debaucherous nightlife.
Opener, All The Time establishes Miller’s signature style, layering different sonic textures and peeling them back before pressing them together once more, creating a push-and-pull that’s easy to get lost in. Flight Of Fortune features rattling percussion that keeps the more otherworldly elements of the track, particularly the starry synth, from drifting off into the ether. Elsewhere, the glitchiness of Voyage evokes some Y2K nostalgia, intensified by throbbing synth and satisfying smacks of drum machine.
It’s easy to imagine yourself sweating along to the track in a dark, crowded basement club. The futuristic yet primal feel of Voyage makes it one of the most compelling songs on Lunar Theory. Miller always keeps you guessing; the track turns sludgy before snapping back to aural crispness. Finally, Lunar Chase finishes off the EP with hollow percussion and brilliant sunbursts of synth, providing dreamy moments to catch your breath before the arrangement comes back in again full-force, ready to pummel your eardrums.
Lunar Theory showcases Miller’s restraint. This is an artist who understands the give and take needed to craft a dance track that keeps people bopping. Miller has clearly learned through her years of Naive Melodies parties and DJing in Berlin venues how to keep a dance floor in perpetual motion, not unlike the ever-orbiting moon.
Words: Clare Martin
Sara Miller – Lunar Theory
