The Secret Handshake – Night & Day

When I first heard of The Secret Handshake planning to release an album entitled Night & Day, I won’t lie when I say I expected much of the same sing-song lyrics, with electronic beats and plenty of auto-tune. But after listening to the new album from Luis Dubuc (the main component behind all the music), that this album is completely different from everything beforehand, and a step above that material as well.

The album implements old school instruments and production techniques to really give it a classic, soulful feeling to it. In comparison to his other work full of electronics and computers, this makes the album feel incredibly liberating from the first vibrations and rising effect of “Every Single Time”, to the body rocking finale of “Here’s To You”. Night & Day creates this raw vibe that rings true to how Luis appears to feel about his music, where it feels compassionate and honest, as if he has finally become an adult in the musical world, discovering himself and the music he wants to make.

Although the album at times borders the realm of cheesiness, in how honest it is trying to be embodying the vibe of an old school soul record, there are plenty of songs that can and will work today in our modern music radio world. The fun retro vibe of “You Got Me” or the catchiness in the lyrics of “Woman” would fare well amongst the average teenage crowd. Along with The Secret Handshake’s female contemporary Lights, the two put together a duet entitled “Used To Be So Sweet”, that will make fans of either side light up with joy.

There is no doubt that fans will be split about this album, seeing as how it is a complete rebranding of the artist’s sound, but it is most definitely worth a listen. A newer, more mature, and different/distinct image for Luis will only garner newer fans and even catchier tunes. Night & Day might be an album people will be skeptical to listen to, but after hearing the new motown inspired tunes, there will be many new fans or at least much more respect for this sensational artist.