Amsterdam-based duo Secret Rendezvous, comprising vocalist Sietske Morsch and music producer Remi Lauw, are charting an unbeaten but somewhat familiar path of the classic singer-producer combination. Their style is a mixed bag that is influenced by classic R&B/soul with a modern eclectic twist, and their latest release In Between Dreams, underscores it perfectly. The 10-track body of work is as diverse as a cosmopolitan city and is filled with well-crafted hypnotic soundscapes laced with mesmerizing melodic runs and heartfelt topics. Both Morsch and Lauw tap into their individual strengths, pairing musicality with vocal dexterity, and the result is a brilliant project that blends the old with the new while raising the musical envelope.

The project kicks off with the title track, “In Between Dreams,” a mellow ballad that highlights Morsch’s vocal strength and range as she takes listeners on a love journey that is both touching and uplifting. Backed by dreamy soundscapes with soft grooves, she sings “‘cause I already see the future/before it happens/You bring me peace, that’s all I need/When I’m in between dreams, you’re my clarity” as she is comforted by the power of love and the inner solace achieved by giving in to it. The next track is a mid-tempo future R&B/dance record, “Feels So Good (Don’t It)” which explores liberty and letting go of anchors weighing one down. The track is particularly striking for its use of funk undertones and a dash of electronic-dance elements that are woven into the musical tapestry. On “Mutual,” we venture into a blissful summertime sphere where two lovers meet with instant chemistry and the rest is history filled with great cherished memories, while “Two Faced Lover” dives into deceit and how it affects relationships. The track has an 80s-inspired sound reminiscent of Atlantic Starr/Midnight Star and evokes a raw musical nostalgia with a modern touch. Acting as a contrast to the previous song that was bright and happy-go-lucky,“Two Faced Lover” sees Morsch  putting down the weight off her shoulders as she sings “You had my attention for a second but you let it slip away/You failed to mention I discovered now I would feel some type of way.” Once again, singer Morsch continues to wow as she delivers a laidback, soothing performance that rises to a plateau on the mantra-like hook, where she exposes the truth and the hurt that followed.

As the project progresses, the duo continue to explore different sounds and styles. From the future R&B/downtempo trap vibes of “Crush” to the sexy funk/bossa-nova infused “Say The Word” with its sultry vocals and cinematic soundscape. These two tracks truly show the duo’s musicality and willingness to go the extra mile in expanding their sound. The party builds up with the funk-guitar laden “Scandalous” which is ripe with punchy hook and sultry melodic runs and a subtle Roger-styled vocoder background vocals that adds an extra retro touch to it. The next track, “Cold Shoulder,” has a dark and scenic vibe that lends it strengths to the solemn lyrics focusing on the withering connection between two lovers, while “Sober” is the quintessential track about moments of clarity after an emotional rollercoaster. The project closes on a mellow note with an acoustic guitar-laden ballad “Onto Something” which explores the deepest part of fears, trepidation and the power of finding one’s true voice in the midst of the white noise. It’s a profound cut that touches on self-development, growth and courage in a cold world.

In a world where R&B/soul has continued to show progression, it is safe to say Secret Rendezvous have added an extra notch to the growth with their contributions.

FYI: The music was entirely produced by Secret Rendezvous themselves, with contributions from their regular band members on a few tracks. Mastering was done by Jeffrey de Gans.

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