Sammy Virji released a surprise new album yesterday, an eight-track project titled Open Late.The news came at a pop-up event in London, where Virji told the crowd at 93 Feet East the album would arrive in 90 minutes.
Meanwhile, a link on his Instagram Story gave the rest of his fans a virtual admit-one ticket, printed with the album art and a serial number, plus a countdown.When the timer hit zero, the ticket gave way to a live listening room with video and chat.
Open Late follows 2025’s Same Day Cleaning and features collaborations with Joy Anonymous, Wet and Hans Glader.The new album embraces Virji’s versatility as a producer, moving between heavy dancefloor cuts and warmer, brighter moments, all rooted in his signature UK garage sound.
“The whole idea of the album is that it’s a journey through what it’s like to be at the club when I’m playing,” Virji said in a statement.“There are certain elements in the records like weird key changes and moments in the breakdowns that are supposed to mimic live moments in my sets.” The album kicks off with ‘Repeaty’ on a steady heartbeat of rolling percussion and a stretchy two-step swing.
The pace picks up on ‘Light Work,’ which turns more upbeat with skippy hi-hats and a palpitating sub-bass pulse behind Portuguese vocals that describe a weightless body and a wild mind.Virji reunites with Joy Anonymous reunites on ‘Letter Blue,’ following their earlier collaboration on ‘JOY (By My Side).’ The track marks a fresh sound for the group, softening the mood with Wet’s airy vocal melodies floating over dreamy synth pads.
‘La Belle’ also marks a reunion, with Glader back in the mix after appearing on Virji’s 2020 debut, Spice Up My Life.The LA-based producer’s jazz-inflected touch meets garage swing as trumpets ring out over upbeat synths.
Virji then dims the lights with ‘Rising Raider,’ which pulls the album into grittier, darker territory with tense synths and ...