SBTRKT: SBTRKT

SBTRKT
SBTRKT
Rating: Meh

After spending the last couple of years being the go-to person for bizarre remixes (Radiohead, Goldie, Modeselektor, and Tinie Tempah, for example), SBTRKT (a.k.a., Aaron Jerome) finally releases his debut album. Not much is known about SBTRKT since he doesn't give interviews and hides behind an African tribal mask that is featured on the album cover. All that is really known is that he is a south London DJ, who works in a variety of electronic music genres. It is clear SBTRKT wants his anonymity to put the focus on his music and less on him personally. This can work to an artist's advantage when they have the music to back it up, like Burial or WU LYF, but in this case, the music, which is impeccably produced, doesn't have enough personality to carry it. After each spin of the record, I keep asking myself the question, "Who is SBTRKT?"

The album spans several genres, mostly sticking within the confines of garage or two-step, with some forays into dubstep and electro. He also utilizes several vocalists, including London R&B singer Sampha (who sounds like a more soulful James Blake), Yukimi Nagano of Little Dragon, Roses Gabor, and Jessie Ware. The vocal tracks, which are by far the more successful of the tracks, do tend to also detract from who SBTRKT is, as there is no focal point. The most difficult thing about reviewing this record is that there is nothing to really hate about this record, it is very pleasant, and it is obvious SBTRKT knows his way around the studio, but also, there is nothing standing out making you want to hear the record over and over again. Honestly, the only track that I truly love is the Jessie Ware sung track "Right Thing To Do," with her sultry, low-key vocals riding counterpoint to the slinky bass heavy two-step beat.



The female vocalists definitely make their marks on their tracks, providing enough of their own personalities to stand out from the pack. Roses Gabor adds some sass and soul to her track "Pharoahs."



And Little Dragon singer Yukimi Nagano's luscious croon whips in and out of wobbly dubstep bass on "Wildfire."



But the majority of tracks are given over to Sampha, who has a gorgeous, velvety voice which, when it works well, adds a haunting, emotional depth to the tracks. "Hold On" especially stands out, his voice in such control at the beginning, and getting more and more frantic.



On "Trials of the Past," Sampha is equally effective at providing a human heart to the cold, dubstep-like electronics.



After a couple of tracks, however, it is evident that Sampha's delivery is basically the same on each track, and they get lost in the confines of the album. "Something Goes Right" loses his vocals completely in generic garage/2 step trappings.



"Never Never" again takes what would have stood out as a stand alone track with Sampha and becomes another very similar track that is practically indistinguishable from all the others.



Even more telling about the album is that the instrumental pieces have almost no personality whatsoever. "Heatwave" is all skittering beats and lazy, wonky synths, "Ready Set Loop" takes annoying to new heights with treble heavy synths and glitchy loops, and closing track "Go Bang" takes the album out not on a bang but with a whimper.

SBTRKT is a perfectly pleasant record that is actually quite enjoyable to listen to if you are not looking for something challenging or fresh. It is like eating vanilla ice cream all the time; it is always good, but you always feel something is lacking once you are done, and you look longingly at that cone of rocky road, wanting to experience some more complex tastes.

Rating Guide

Chilfos: masterpiece; coolest thing I've heard in ages.

Woof Daddy: excellent; just a hair away from being a masterpiece.

Grrrr: very good; will definitely be considered for my top releases of the year.

Yeah Daddy Make Me Want It: good; definitely invites further listens and peaks one's interest for more material.

Meh: not horrible, but certainly not great; could have either been polished, trimmed, or re-thought.

Jeez Lady: what the hell happened? Just plain bad. They should hang their heads in shame and be forced to listen to Lady Gaga ad nauseam as penance.

Tragicistani: so bad, armed villagers with pitchforks and torches should run the artist out of the country for inflicting this abomination on the human race.