SBTRKT

SBTRKT, pronounced subtract, is the stage name of London producer Aaron Jerome and he just released his self-titled debut album.  I first heard of SBTRKT a couple years ago when his jam Atomic Peace was released and it’s experimental, chill sound was just what I wanted at the time.  Then I heard his Break Off single, which I immediately loved.  Not to mention the other track released on it, Evening Glow. 

The new album is a great electronic mix full of influences and mixings of genres like dubstep, house and even jazz.  Supplying the deep, caring vocals on the tracks is Sampha, who Jerome teams up with a lot including on that Break Off release.  The mix of Sampha’s voice on Jerome’s electric tracks is on point.  Sampha’s soulful voice on top of these colorful tracks is really something of a treat.  I feel like I’ve been transported to a few centuries from now or at least Japan.  These tracks seem so futuristic with their energetic beats and their emotional lyrics.  Even when Jessie Ware features on vocals for the dubstep inspired track Right Thing to Do, nothing is missed out on from losing Sampha.  The album also features Little Dragon who featured on my favorite Gorillaz’s song Empire Ants, from the Plastic Beach album.  These two tracks are certainly spectacular and visionary and I love the direction SBTRKT has gone with his full length debut.

SBTRKT wears vibrant masks on stage and I think this reflects not only his personality but his attitude towards his music.  Although his face is kept hidden from the audience, these masks bring a sense of identity to the man and also imagination.  And his tracks certainly do not lack with imagination.

Check out his website for more info on the album that dropped June 27 and also about his tour dates, which includes next Thursday at Camp Bisco, next Saturday at Moma PS1 in NYC, and another stop in NYC on September 4, for the Electric Zoo Festival! http://www.sbtrkt.com/index.php

-Dan T.