Déjà Vu by Kalou Sal Thijssen & Michael O: A Deep House Journey That Sticks
Let’s get real for a second—when you hear “Déjà Vu,” what comes to mind? For me, it’s that weird feeling of hearing something familiar but not quite being able to place it. Well, this album nails that vibe in ways I didn’t expect. Released back in 2016 by Batavia Records (shoutout to the Netherlands!), Déjà Vu is one of those deep house projects that sneaks up on you. It’s got just three tracks, but trust me, they’re enough.
First off, the title track, “Déjà Vu.” Man, this thing hits differently. The groove builds slow—like, really slow—but once it locks in, it’s hypnotic. You know those nights where everything feels kinda blurry and dreamy at the same time? This song is basically the soundtrack to that. There’s this subtle bassline that just lingers under your skin, refusing to let go. And the synths? They shimmer like sunlight hitting water. Honestly, I found myself zoning out while listening to it, only to snap back and realize ten minutes had passed without me noticing. Wild, right?
Then there’s “Déjà Vu (Michael Oberling Remix).” If the original track is all about subtlety, this remix flips the script entirely. Oberling takes the chill vibes and cranks them into something more urgent, almost restless. The beat here feels sharper, like it’s pushing you forward instead of letting you float. What sticks with me most is how he layers these little melodic fragments—they pop up unexpectedly, like flashes of memory you can’t quite piece together. It’s disorienting in the best way possible, like walking through a city at night when all the lights blur together.
I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure about the Viel Remix at first. It felt too stripped-down compared to the others. But after a few listens, it grew on me. Sometimes less really is more, ya know? Still, the two tracks above are the ones I keep coming back to. They feel alive in a way that’s hard to explain.
Here’s the thing about Déjà Vu: it doesn’t try too hard. No flashy drops, no over-the-top production tricks. Just pure, unfiltered deep house goodness. And maybe that’s why it works so well—it feels honest. Like, these guys weren’t trying to reinvent the wheel; they just wanted to make music that makes you feel something.
Oh, random thought: if this album were a person, it’d probably be someone who shows up late to parties but ends up staying till sunrise. Weird analogy, I know, but hey, isn’t that what déjà vu is all about? Feeling things you can’t quite put into words?
Anyway, give it a spin if you haven’t already. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find yourself lost in its loops, just like I did.
