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SBTRKT: Wonder Where We Land review
Other | Friday 10th October 2014 | Ollie
SBTRKT (pronounced subtract, otherwise known as Aaron Jerome) is an electronic music producer/songwriter from London. His full length self-titled debut album was released in 2011 and took the electronic genre by storm. There was nothing new, challenging, unique or ground breaking on the album, he just brought it together better than anyone else. The array of genres on the album included post-dubstep, house, indie pop and UK bass. What made the album so good, and maybe even great, was the quality of the songs and appearances from various guest vocalists including Sampha, Little Dragon's Yukimi Nagano, Jessie Ware and Roses Gabor.
The question is, can the chemistry between beat, melody and vocals result in equal success on 'Wonder Where We Land'? The first single from the album "New Dorp New York", featuring Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig, gives off a completely new vibe. Over heavy bass, demonic chorus effects and a rattling drum sound, SBTRKT transports us to a place he's never taken us before - less a party and more a carnival. It's a banger, but not as we know it!
Regular collaborators Sampha and Jessie Ware once again bring warmth and soul to the proceedings. Jessie's vocals are incredibly passionate on the track "Problem (Solved)" and seem to live up to her previous vocal prowess on the first album. Sampha also delivers a dynamic performance on tracks such as "Temporary View", similar to his performance on the first album, he seems to have become the distinctive voice of SBTRKT. On "Wonder Where We Land" he has brought in new vocalists such as Raury who showcases his extraordinary talent to full effect on the track "Higher". Raury's flow seems natural, loose and compelling, kendrick Lamar watch the throne! The guest vocalists don't all work however. A$AP Ferg's performance on "Voices in My Head" is well, underwhelming. The lyrics come across as emotionally incoherent and A$AP's oozy flow sounds some what, dull.
The majority of the tracks on 'Wonder Where We Land' would not fit onto the first album. Bringing so many unsuspected sounds into the mix, Aaron has taken a big risk with the formula which brought him initial success. However with a new and refreshed sound he has succeeded in producing an album which builds on the sound which brought him success. It will satisfy old fans and bring in a few more new ones too.
