Nottingham-based duo Moon Cub makes an impressive debut with Utopia 90, a blissful fusion of trip-hop nostalgia and contemporary electronica that transports listeners straight to hazy summer memories. This first single from their upcoming album Skyline Waiting Room (Summer 2025) showcases the musical chemistry between spouses Rob and Suzy Muir, delivering three minutes of perfectly crafted, sun-drenched melancholy.
The track immediately establishes its dreamy atmosphere with washed-out synths and a laid-back groove that recalls the golden era of 90s downtempo. Suzy’s ethereal vocals float effortlessly over Rob’s textured production, while Pete Norman’s smoky saxophone interludes add a sophisticated late-night vibe. The lyrics – wistful reflections on travel, daydreams and longing for simpler times – pair beautifully with the music’s gentle undulations, creating a sense of movement even in stillness. What makes Utopia 90 stand out is how it balances clear influences (the sophistication of Air, Massive Attack’s moody depth, Boards of Canada’s nostalgic glow) with fresh, contemporary energy. The production is immaculate yet retains an organic warmth, avoiding the cold precision that often plagues electronic music. Rob’s instrumental choices create rich layers that reveal new details with each listen, from the subtle percussion to the way the bassline anchors the track’s dreamy tendencies.
As the first full collaboration between the Muirs, Utopia 90 promises exciting things for their Skyline Waiting Room album. It’s rare for a debut single to feel this fully realized – equal parts comforting and intriguing, like rediscovering a favorite old mixtape that still sounds revolutionary.
