Hops & Harmony: Maribou State and Pressure Drop Brew Up a Love Letter to Tottenham
- BabyStep Magazine
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
In a quiet corner of Tottenham, under railway arches that hum with history, something unexpected has been brewing — quite literally. British electronic duo Maribou State and cult London brewery Pressure Drop have joined forces for a collaboration that blurs the lines between sound and flavour. The result? A lush, hazy pale ale named Hallucinating Love, echoing the title of the band’s latest album.
What started as a casual conversation between neighbours has evolved into a full-bodied partnership, steeped in creativity, community, and the unmistakable joy of a cold pint after a long day in the studio.
“We’ve always loved the idea of creating something physical that exists outside of music. Visiting local breweries around the world has always been a big part of our touring life, so to be able to bring that love home—and collaborate with a local brewery we both genuinely love—feels incredibly exciting for us.” say Maribou State’s Chris Davids and Liam Ivory.
And click it did. Over the course of a year, the duo worked closely with head brewer Ben Freeman, one of Pressure Drop’s original founders, to develop the perfect recipe. Dozens of hop combinations were trialled in search of a flavour that could distil the essence of Hallucinating Love — a record born from introspection, transformation, and the cathartic power of creation.
The result is a 4.5% hazy pale ale, brewed with Mosaic, Simcoe, Krush, and Galaxy hops, delivering big tropical aromas with subtle hints of lime zest and citrus peel. It’s the kind of beer that pairs just as well with a dancefloor comedown as it does with a backyard barbecue — vibrant and expressive, but balanced by a clean, dry finish. Pressure Drop are no strangers to crafting characterful brews, but Hallucinating Love marks a first: the brewery’s debut artist collaboration. For Freeman, it was about more than just a new flavour — it was a meeting of minds.
“Chris and Liam brought the same attention to detail and creative spirit that we try to bring to every brew,” says Freeman. “This beer isn’t just a tie-in — it’s something that reflects a shared love of process and storytelling.”
The beer arrives off the back of a triumphant return for Maribou State. Released in January, Hallucinating Love — their first album in nearly six years — debuted at No. 9 on the UK Albums Chart and topped the UK Record Store Chart, powered by vinyl sales and word-of-mouth from fans and critics alike.
With a standout performance at Coachella and an upcoming headline slot on Glastonbury’s West Holts Stage, the duo’s evolution from introspective producers to live powerhouses feels complete.
Hallucinating Love Pale Ale | RRP £4.85
Available online from 9am on 25th May 2025
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