Single Review: SBTRKT, ‘BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge Session’

London-based electronic musician SBTRKT (pronounced Subtract) has seen his stock rise considerably in the last year or so. With an acclaimed self-titled LP release and some high profile remixing work for the likes of M.I.A. and Radiohead, the enigmatic man behind the mask has really been a busy beaver. Recently he and partner in crime Sampha took some time out to record two tracks for a live session with the BBC in their native England.

The BBC Radio One Live Lounge session the duo recorded with Annie Mac includes an extended version of the minor hit ‘Hold On’ from his self-titled LP, and a cover of the Friendly Fires’ ‘Blue Cassette’. For fans of the original, the version of ‘Hold On’ is worth seeking out, if only for its extended instrumental section at the end. SBTRKT’s propulsive beats and rhythms set him apart from many of his more minimalistic contemporaries, but he is not averse to using slow-building sonics either. But like the music itself, it is purely a matter of taste as to whether you find the mournful vocals of Sampha a perfect complement to the music or overwrought and grating.

SBTRKT’s choice of Friendly Fires ‘Blue Cassette’ to cover is perhaps not much of a surprise given the knowledge that they have recently toured together and that Fires’ Ed Macfarlane is busy working in the studio with SBTRKT on his sophomore LP. The cover is perhaps not quite the equal of the original, but will no doubt please the already converted and maybe earn him a few more admirers to his growing army.

By William David Wilson

@wdwilso2