Here's a loose-limbed 80s dreamscape that proves that despite delays (sometimes stretching decades) the impossible isn't always exactly that. Born in Jamaica and raised in England, vocalist and musician Rajan James had her eureka moment in the early 80s during a five-week-long vacation in the US. Five weeks is a misnomer, however, and so is vacation, because after discovering the sound of dance music across the Atlantic, five weeks turned into three years. James had come to music from a choir background and had initially been looking to explore the gospel tradition, but well, you know, then she heard drum machines.

James describes her discoveries during that time as having given her a window into the future of music, and when she returned to England, her ears and palette had been well and truly retooled. This was around when she recorded "Impossible Dreams" for its original release as part of Steve Ayers’ "One Giant Leap" compilation - a considered window into the independent scene in the UK circa '83.

Despite the way, it - in a similar manner to material released around the same time by Richard A. Hewson's studio project, The RAH Band - sits in a saxophone laden interzone somewhere between US electro-boogie and British synth-pop, "Impossible Dreams" never saw a proper single release in its day. However, thanks to Melbourne's Left Ear Records, it's back in 12" format, with the instrumental version on the flip. Set against a bubbling keyboard bassline, glossy synths, and a skipping backbeat that won't quit, James' new wave informed vocal still soars with a majesty that the passage of time can't fade. This one is gonna sound good over summer.

You can purchase "Impossible Dreams" in vinyl and digital formats (here)