2011: the year that electronic music was revitalized for the better. It’s hard to forego the immense breed of talent arising this year, particularly from artists coming out of the UK. Many would not be complaining though; the mere fact that these skippy beats and heavy rhythms are being reincarnated is enough for a new generation to appreciate, rediscover, and generally feel good about. Enter SBTRKT ("subtract", for those of you playing at home). An intriguing entity in himself, Aaron Jerome, under the guise of SBTRKT, hides behind a distinctive mask, creating a character-like image that represents his brand rather than himself as an artist. It’s a good move, not just because I’ve seen his face and it’s really ugly (I haven’t), but it provides a visual for listeners amidst the often bland image of guitar bands and their timid efforts at creating “the look”. Furthermore, it allows Jerome to distance himself personally from his music, producing an almost intermediary figurehead between his compositions and the listener, whilst removing the personal burden that comes with being a well-known musician.
SBTRKT follows on from earlier single and EP releases aside successful remixes of tracks by M.I.A., Mark Ronson and Underworld. This album really allows Jerome to step out of the shadows of his DJ persona and become a real electronic composer with a simplistic knack for hooks in amongst the conducive sounds of the moment. There is so much variation on this album, something that makes it a pleasure to listen to on repeat. Heatwave begins the album modestly, with vocals and distant synth flourishes working in tandem with pan-shifting beats to create a warm opening. Vocalist Sampha is distinct throughout SBTRKT, and his first port-of-call here is Hold On, a true ballad that employs light atmospheres amidst xylophone lines to provide an eerie, fairytale-like mood. It is here in Sampha’s vocal that Jerome allows his inner crooner to be unleashed, albeit through another voice, and demonstrates that an intrapersonal connection with the audience can still be effective in passing on interpersonal messages to the listener.
The inclusion of a number of female vocalists helps to characterise the album further and demonstrate Jerome’s ability as a DJ to imply the feeling of ‘guest appearances’ in how these tracks vary from the majority of the album. The most notable collaboration here is with Little Dragon’s Yukimi Nagano, who adds a smooth, silky poise to lead single Wildfire; it is easily the most commercially accessible track on the LP. Jessie Ware’s vocal range is perfectly suitable to the deep electronic rhythms of Right Thing To Do, while Roses Gabor greatly enhances Pharaohs, a highly danceable house track that dapples in disco and funk stylings while maintaining the continuity of the rest of the album. On the contrary, Ready Set Loop is a fast, up-tempo instrumental that possesses a real warped feel, falling somewhere between a loop-heavy electronic act, like PVT, and the dub-step currently fermenting in the music world like a broth on high heat.
We really have a find here though in Sampha; his undeniable delivery is beautifully breathy, incredibly soulful, and all parts raw. And the more you listen, the more you tend to appreciate the talent at hand. Never Never is a classic R&B production, and utilizes Sampha’s succinct range to great effect, working with backing vocals to create a collective feel. He also allows SBTRKT’s exploration into various styles to work so well, as a track like the fast-moving Something Goes Right perfectly juxtaposes the sleuthing grooves of Trials Of The Past. It truly demonstrates that SBTRKT could ply his trade anywhere on the live scene, from the festivals to the seedy bars and far beyond, and his effect would be no less engaging.
Music always comes in waves, regenerations and experimentations. And at present, the 2011 electronic movement fits all of these categories. It is simultaneously reviving sparkly keyboards and harmonies from the 90s while experimenting with new and interesting beats and rhythms to create an eclectic new wave of music. With every month there appears to be a new member on the throne of the scene, healthily pushing the boundaries of their compatriots. And currently, SBTRKT is the king. It may yet take some doing to knock this masked man from the position of crossover electro-royalty.
Have a look at the sweat-laden video for 'Wildfire' feat. Yukimi Nagano here:
Looks as though SBTRKT will be heading our way this October, keep eyes and ears peeled.
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