Pedro Zopelar makes no secret of his love for ’80s club music. On the cover of Call It Love, he stages himself as a man of nostalgia – with a modest gold chain, what looks like a gold Seiko watch, and a classic green telephone receiver, the kind with a coiled cable. Musically, Zopelar blends New Jack Swing, Boogie, House and a touch of Electro. His basslines ooze so much funk it’s a wonder no one’s slipping on the dancefloor.
The album recalls Universo, which also came out on Steven Julien’s label Apron in 2021. Slightly washed-out synth chords and sampled voices open the set. But by the time we reach »Highness«, the drum machine kicks in: Zopelar’s signature swingbeat, a gritty digital bass and crystalline melodies layered over chromatic harmonies set the tone. The influence of Bossa Nova, still a powerful force in Brazil, is unmistakable here.
Guest vocalists add texture: Ashira on the slickly produced R’n’B cut »We Can Make It«, L’Homme Statue on the uptempo »Je t’aime«, and Hernbean5150 on the title track. Call It Love is a charming hybrid of club vibes, funk energy and retro flair – all crafted with real affection.
Call It Love
