Brian Leeds has never been an artist to sit still, and his latest full-length as Loidis, From the Toolkit of Lovers, is his most expansive work to date. Clocking in at 111 minutes across six vinyl sides and released on the Incienso label, this is a Loidis From the Toolkit of Lovers review that finds Leeds—also known for his work as Huerco S—at his most ambitious. The album is his grandest statement across either project, a sprawling collection that pushes his sound into warmer, more rhythmic territory while retaining the textural detail that has long defined his music.
From Huerco S to Loidis: A Warming Trajectory
Leeds first made his name with Huerco S, whose early releases were marked by a chilly, lo-fi blend of ambient and house. That sound was intimate but guarded, often retreating into low-light atmospheres. The 2022 album Plonk signaled a shift toward sharper, more defined production, and the Loidis project has continued that warming trend. Last year’s One Day and this year’s remix of James K’s “Peel” both suggested Leeds was moving toward brighter, more engaged music. From the Toolkit of Lovers is the fullest realization of that evolution, a record that feels both expansive and inviting.
Microhouse Foundations and ASMR Textures
The album’s rhythmic core draws heavily from early 2000s microhouse, recalling the likes of Luomo. Tracks are built on sleek, propulsive grooves, but Leeds never lets them settle into mere functionality. The synth chords carry a degraded shimmer, as if viewed through a lightly smudged lens, and the sound design is often ASMR-inducing: ticklish snares, stereo effects that pan right to left, and a general sense of tactile detail that rewards close listening. These elements give the music a fizzy, almost playful quality even when the tempos rise.
Track Highlights: TT Stunt and Running Rich
Melodic motifs frequently enhance the groove, and two tracks stand out. “TT Stunt” features playful echoing notes that bounce across the stereo field, adding a sense of whimsy to its driving beat. “Running Rich” introduces an Afrobeat bassline, a surprising but effective touch that lends the track a springy, syncopated energy. These moments show Leeds’ ability to balance experimentation with accessibility, and they are among the album’s most memorable passages.
Minor Lulls in the Second Half
For all its strengths, From the Toolkit of Lovers is not without its less adventurous stretches. A few tracks in the second half lack the invention of the earlier material, settling into comfortable patterns that, while pleasant, don’t quite match the album’s high points. Given the 111-minute runtime, some trimming might have sharpened the overall impact. Still, at least 90 minutes of the album are riveting, a testament to Leeds’ consistency across such a vast canvas.
Verdict
From the Toolkit of Lovers is a landmark release for Brian Leeds, a record that consolidates his move toward warmer, more rhythmic music while retaining the textural depth that has always been his signature. The 111-minute length across six vinyl sides is a bold format choice, and while a few second-half tracks lack adventure, the majority of the album is engrossing. It is Leeds’ grandest statement to date, and a must-listen for anyone following his journey from the lo-fi shadows of Huerco S to the gleaming microhouse of Loidis.
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