Love Will Find A Way (Victor Romeo)

• house
• acid-house
• Victor Romeo
• Leatrice Brown

As the sun sets on the Chicago skyline, we take a moment to reflect on the golden era of house music, a time when pioneers like Victor Romeo pushed the boundaries of electronic sound and made waves in the underground dance scene. Released in 1988, “Love Will Find A Way” remains a testament to the ingenuity of this oft-forgotten producer, whose innovative approach to music left a lasting impression on the genre.

In this retrospective review, we delve into the two sides of Victor Romeo’s magnum opus, exploring how the juxtaposition of a love-infused anthem and an acid house classic not only defies expectations, but also encapsulates the duality of the late ’80s dance scene. As we embark on this journey, let us remember that time may have passed, but the spirit of this record remains eternally fresh.

“Love Will Find A Way” is a release that stands the test of time, gracefully aging like a fine wine. With its uplifting message and catchy hook, the A1 track “Love Will Find A Way (Radio)” is a true embodiment of the late ’80s dance music zeitgeist. The infectious melody, complemented by smooth vocals and a driving rhythm, make it a standout hit. This track is the sunshine to the storm that follows, a shining beacon of hope amidst the darkness of the era’s rampant social issues.

In sharp contrast to the warm embrace of love, the B-side “Acid Rain (Rain Dance U.K. Mix)” plunges listeners into the depths of Victor Romeo’s experimental prowess. This acid house classic bears the unmistakable mark of the Roland TB-303, a synthesizer that defined the sound of the late ’80s. Its squelchy, otherworldly timbre complements the heavy, pulsating beat, creating a hypnotic sonic landscape that transports listeners to a different realm. This track is the rain that washes away the veneer of optimism, exposing the raw energy of the era’s counterculture movement.

Despite the apparent disparity between the two tracks, “Love Will Find A Way” and “Acid Rain” are united in their reflection of the era’s most potent influences. The likes of Frankie Knuckles, Marshall Jefferson, and Phuture can be heard echoing through the grooves of Victor Romeo’s production. These pioneers of the Chicago house and acid house movements left an indelible mark on Romeo, who, in turn, helped shape the future of electronic music.

As we delve deeper into the structure, rhythm, and melody of “Love Will Find A Way,” we find a release that is as much a celebration of love as it is an exploration of the darker, grittier side of the late ’80s dance scene. The A2 track, “Love Will Find A Way (Club),” serves as a bridge between these two worlds, with its extended, dancefloor-ready arrangement and powerful kick drum. The club mix retains the infectious chorus and smooth vocals, but adds a sense of urgency that propels the track forward, captivating dancers and urging them to lose themselves in the music.

In a time when the world was on the brink of political and social upheaval, the message of love and unity conveyed through “Love Will Find A Way” was a much-needed balm for the wounds of society. While the lyrics might be interpreted as a simple love song, there’s a deeper meaning beneath the surface, a call for compassion and understanding in the face of adversity. The unwavering optimism of this track, juxtaposed against the darker, more experimental sounds of “Acid Rain,” is an intentional act of defiance, a statement that love will prevail even in the face of chaos.

The antithetical nature of this release is further emphasized by the two distinct worlds it inhabits: the warm, euphoric embrace of the A-side tracks, and the darker, more sinister depths of the B-side. It is through this contrast that Victor Romeo masterfully captures the essence of the late ’80s dance scene, reflecting the duality of human emotion and the power of music to both uplift and challenge.

While it’s impossible to pinpoint a single influence that inspired Victor Romeo’s work, there are echoes of pioneering artists such as Larry Heard and Adonis within the fabric of this release. The lush synths and deep basslines of “Love Will Find A Way” are reminiscent of Heard’s work under the moniker Mr. Fingers, while the raw, stripped-back nature of “Acid Rain” shares a kinship with Adonis’ seminal track, “No Way Back.”

“Love Will Find A Way” is more than just an artifact of the late ’80s house and acid house movements. It is a testament to Victor Romeo’s vision and ingenuity, and his ability to create music that transcends the boundaries of genre and time. His work has left a lasting impact on the world of electronic music, inspiring countless producers and DJs in the decades that followed.

In conclusion, Victor Romeo’s “Love Will Find A Way” is a record that defies convention and expectation, boldly embracing the duality of the late ’80s dance scene. With its uplifting message of love and unity, contrasted against the raw, experimental nature of acid house, this release is a testament to the power of music to both heal and provoke. Though time has passed since its initial release, the spirit and innovation of “Love Will Find A Way” continue to resonate with listeners, securing its place as a timeless classic in the annals of electronic music history.

As the sun rises once more over the Chicago skyline, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of artists like Victor Romeo, who dared to push the boundaries of sound and create music that transcends the passage of time. In the face of an ever-changing world, it is comforting to know that love will, indeed, find a way.