Oliver.r returns with his second solo EP under his own name – and it’s a seductive one. “Frisky Business” marks the 17th release on Lisbon’s Magic Carpet, the tastefully curated imprint run by Apple B and Hazr. Known for threading the line between playfulness and precision, the label finds an ideal companion in Oliver.r, who turns in four sun-kissed cuts built for open-air affairs and low-ceiling love-ins alike.
The opener “Be Mine” is pure restraint and groove. A techy, heads-down roller, it moves with hypnotic pulses and just the right amount of bounce. No gimmicks, no clutter – just clean lines, warm tones, and a sultry sense of direction. It’s the kind of track that finds its power in repetition, drawing dancers in without asking for too much too soon.
Things get cheekier on “Horny Mother Funka”, where an irresistibly strutting bassline walks the walk through shimmery textures and just enough attitude. There’s a glint in the eye here – playful, confident, and ever so slightly provocative – but Oliver.r keeps it classy, avoiding the trap of oversaturation and letting the groove do the talking.
Flip to the B-side and “City of Love” brings the romance. Floating pads and dreamy melodies swirl into a gentle build, evoking sunrises and shared glances at the tail end of long nights. It’s a track that adds emotional depth to the EP without veering into melodrama – still dancefloor-leaning, but with a softness that lingers.
Closing track “Rocco Loves His Pickles” injects a dose of oddball charm into the package. A rolling bassline and lightly techy framework keep things functional, but it’s the playful details – percussive quirks and swung grooves – that give it personality. It’s the kind of tune that makes dancers smirk as they move, perfectly straddling fun and finesse.
“Frisky Business” is exactly what it claims to be: confident, groovy, and full of charm. Whether under sun or strobe, Oliver.r’s latest proves that seduction and sophistication aren’t mutually exclusive – and Magic Carpet once again proves its knack for tasteful curation that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Words by Holger Breuer
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