With their new album “In Between Dreams”, Secret Rendezvous reaffirms why they’ve long been one of the most compelling voices in modern soul-pop. The Amsterdam-based duo—Sietske Morsch and Remi Lauw—has always walked the line between nostalgia and newness, blending old-school charm with fresh energy. But this latest project, released on September 26, 2025, feels different. It’s an album born out of both turbulence and renewal, a testament to rediscovering joy through the creative process itself.
After an intense period marked by personal and professional uncertainty, “In Between Dreams” represents a turning point for the pair. The title isn’t just poetic—it captures two forms of dreaming at once. On one level, it refers to the literal fragments of nightly dreams that drifted into the lyrics and melodies; on another, it speaks to a deeply human crossroad: being caught between two life dreams—pursuing music with full force or stepping into family life. That duality runs throughout the record, shaping its emotional pulse.
From the first track to the last, “In Between Dreams” radiates warmth and soul. The production—handled entirely by Secret Rendezvous themselves—feels intimate yet sophisticated, brimming with analog textures, lush synth layers, and subtly funky basslines. The duo has always had a knack for building grooves that feel effortless, but here, the instrumentation is more playful and exploratory. Each sound seems to exist in service of the song, giving space for the vocals to shine.
Sietske’s voice remains the heart of the project—rich, expressive, and utterly sincere. She has that rare gift of making every word sound lived-in. Whether she’s gliding over the sultry rhythm of “Say The Word,” swaying in the breezy ease of “Mutual,” or revealing vulnerability in the tender ballad “Onto Something,” her delivery feels organic, almost conversational. There’s a quiet strength in her tone that evokes Minnie Riperton’s emotive range, yet it’s balanced with the restraint and smoothness reminiscent of Cleo Sol. Her performances carry the album’s emotional depth, turning each track into a small confession wrapped in melody.
Remi Lauw, meanwhile, proves once again how integral his production and songwriting instincts are to the duo’s sound. His arrangements on “In Between Dreams” show a masterful sense of rhythm and restraint. The grooves never overwhelm; instead, they pulse gently under the surface, guiding the listener through the album’s moods. His use of vintage drum machines and warm, fuzzy synth tones nods to their influences—Prince, The Isley Brothers, Tame Impala—but the way he integrates them feels distinctly modern. There’s a softness to the mixes that enhances the dreamlike quality implied in the title, creating the sense that you’re floating through the record rather than simply listening to it.
The songwriting across the album strikes a delicate balance between introspection and optimism. Tracks like “Mutual” and “Say The Word” celebrate connection and trust, radiating positivity through easy grooves and harmonies that feel like sunlight on the skin. On the more reflective end, songs such as “Onto Something” explore the vulnerability that comes with change—the uncertain beauty of starting over. The lyrical themes mirror the duo’s own experiences of doubt and rediscovery, yet they’re written with such emotional clarity that they resonate universally.
What’s remarkable about “In Between Dreams” is how cohesive it feels despite its range. The album moves seamlessly between styles—bossa nova-infused funk, slow-burning R&B, lush electronic soul—but never loses its identity. That’s a testament to the duo’s chemistry and self-production skills. By keeping the process in-house, they’ve preserved an authenticity that major-label polish might have diluted. The result is an album that feels handcrafted, intimate, and deeply personal, yet accessible enough to play on a summer afternoon or during a late-night drive.
The mastering by Jeffrey de Gans adds a final layer of refinement, ensuring that each track maintains its warmth and balance without losing dynamic depth. The attention to sonic detail—how each element breathes within the mix—reveals how much care went into every decision. You can sense the duo’s love for their craft in the way the instruments intertwine with Sietske’s vocals, how every chord change and rhythmic accent feels intentional.
Influences from Prince and Minnie Riperton to Victoria Monét and Lucky Daye can certainly be heard, but Secret Rendezvous has evolved far beyond homage. They’ve carved out a sound that is unmistakably theirs—mature, soulful, and grounded in emotional truth. Where their previous album For Real was praised for its infectious hooks and sharp production, “In Between Dreams” feels more inward-looking, more human. It’s an album about rediscovering why you create in the first place, about making peace with uncertainty and finding beauty in the in-between.
With ten tracks that move fluidly between warmth, groove, and introspection, “In Between Dreams” stands as Secret Rendezvous’s most complete statement yet. It’s the sound of two artists who’ve come through change and emerged stronger, crafting music that’s not just meant to be heard—but felt.
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