Single review SBTRKT – ‘Transitions’

Fans of the tribal masked, Electronic music master, SBTRKT, have been in anticipation since his thriving debut album back in 2011. Yet once again, from behind his disguise, he returns to let the music speak for itself.

In the process of his second album, SBTRKT unveils the six-track, instrumental, EP ‘Transitions’. The latest works are a journey of instrumental and Electronic discovery. It transports the listener through SBTRKT’s loved and original sound, where he continues to contrast and mix the indigenous drumbeat with computerised sounds of the future.

Accompanying the music, artwork was carefully crafted by the ingenious intellect of A Hidden Place, (the artist responsible for SBTRKT’s famous tribal wear), and PARTY. Its assembly forms a fascinating visual effect, simulated digitally on the streaming website, and fashioned on the release’s vinyl.

Funky twinkles of otherworldly bird-like noises spiral into the opening, with the blissful ‘Gamalena’. The opener resonates the idea of a party in a rain forest, as it seems to be in touch with an earthly element, whilst bops of beat dance through its leaves.

We fly to a completely different space and time, as the second instalment murmurs into life. Fragments of barely audible language and distorted electronics, resembling telephonic communication. We “hold the line” as the track musically paints the idea of a busy office.

With a moody and marvellous beat ‘KYOTO’ slowly and atmospherically builds. It breaks into a sequence of synth wonder. As the music evokes a span of mood, the artwork alters too, evolving into different colours and feeling.

Whilst ‘Transitions’ is an atmospheric and distinctive, Dance experience. SBTRKT also proves Electronic music as not just a meaningless floor filler – but a creative expression of art.

‘Transitions’ can be heard at transitions.sbtrkt.com/, available for download and on 12″ vinyl, on Young Turks.