Northbound is the second album by David Hanke under his Lehto guise, focusing on his love for nature and the northern hemispheres.

Lead track 'Northbound' was the first track Hanke recorded for the new album, putting together a rough version of it as a starting point and then, over the course of a year, the full album came to life. The song gradually builds until the introduction of a vocal RnB sample adds a fine note of Soul to it, going from there into a sweet spot of uplifting euphoria when the Piano chords come in for the first time.

The opening track, 'Hiljalleen' (finnish for little by little, slowly), introduces the album with two longtime friends and musicians Hanke worked with in the past years. Mark Matthes (The Motion Orchestra) added his own note to it, further developing the main string sample into beautiful string lines. Tristan de Liège, with whom Hanke released the Transatlantyk album in 2020, is responsible for the wonderful bassline throughout the track.

On 'Kettu,' Hanke shows his embracement for the energy of club music while blending several electronic elements with organic instruments. A heavy synth bassline carried by a midtempo drum construction and intricate synth work builds the bed for Kettu, while the Maasai vocal samples that lead throughout the track are the main element.

'Hawa' with its very emotive intro turns quickly into a mid-tempo club tune with a driving bassline, while 'Teal' impresses with a combination of club ingredients and a Kora. 'Kuutamo' (finnish for moonlight) is another club-candidate combining 2-step drums, various synth bits and remarkable vocals introduced by a Yorke-esque played Rhodes blended with Guzheng bits.

'Baby and I' features Hamburg-based singer and songwriter Jepka aka Saskia Schoen, with whom Hanke collaborated on his 2022 album 'Between All Days' on several tracks, and most recently, they have released their cover version of the Zero 7 track 'Home.'
The song delves deep into the pain of unfulfilled longing and the heart-wrenching struggle of self-worth. As the song unfolds, it oscillates between the inner turmoil stemming from the sting of romantic rejection and the luminous vision of manifesting a dream much grander than the one just lost, ultimately clinging to hope.

Originally released on the 'Between All Days' album, the reprise version of 'To the River' takes the song into a totally different sound territory compared to the original. While the original is very slow and soothing, dwelling in downtempo territories, the reprise version is home in the midtempo field with completely different and new music to accompany Jepka's vocals.

Within 'Darkest Blue,' a moment in the healing journey unfolds like the gentle hum of an engine revving, or the first rays of dawn ascending the horizon. As the song reflects back on the depths of heartache and self-deception, a newfound space emerges, allowing for movement and renewal, and the promise of a fresh start.

Northbound is a collection of 12 sonic affirmations featuring club music as well as introspective downtempo music. A well-balanced combination of electronic and organic creations with a beautiful overall feel.