ALBUM REVIEW: Leon Vynehall – In Daytona Yellow

Ooze INC.

Released: 03.10.25

Leon Vynehall, the innovative producer, DJ and artist who burst onto the scene in 2014 with the legendarily banging (It’s Just) House of Dupree, occupies a unique space in the landscape of electronic music. Having truly emerged when the likes of Bicep & George Fitzgerald were beginning to take over the country’s dancefloors, he’s forged a different path.

As a pure producer of records, he remains one of the country’s best. With his sound having progressed from the thumping, rabble rousing house bangers with which he made his name, he’s settled into a more melancholic groove. That’s by no means a bad thing, with TEARS4ALOVER being a worthy spiritual successor to 2021 album Rare, Forever. His latest record continues in a similar vein, with the album’s high points coming in its quieter moments. It’s fractured, subtle and at times unpredictable.

As you would expect, the use of samples and vocal guests is second to none. Cruel Love (feat Beau Nox) is a driving, synthy delight. Chartreuse’s vocals on You Strange Precious Thing are as affecting as they are haunting. There are hip-hop and RnB turns at the album’s half-way points, with TYSON’s feature on Scab being a particular highlight. The quality of the production and overall feel of the album never drops, despite the twists and turns in genre, tempo and feel.

It’s a unique skill that few artists can ever truly master. But Leon Vynehall has crafted an album that combines all of the most wonderful elements of his previous works. Lead single Mirror’s Edge keeps the flame of his house-ier productions alive, so there really is something here for everybody, no matter where in his musical journey you happened to join.