SBTRKT – Wildfire [ft. Yukimi of Little Dragon](via Pitchfork)

XL is undoubtedly one of the most relevant major label of recent times. Housing the sounds of artists as varied as Radiohead, Holy Fuck, The XX, Tyler the creator and Ratatat. Their strength lies in their ability to bring the world’s most cutting edge sounds into the commercial spotlight without losing the independent integrity of the artists being showcased.

Their latest offering is London producer SBTRKT‘s self titled debut LP. Pronounced subtract, the producer can be tied to London’s deep rooted Bass music tradition. Whilst the majority of the dance world populous has become familiar with the aggressive wub-wub-wub nature of festival-friendly Dubstep, the outward streaming currents of Dubstep’s proceeders are certainly reconfiguring and questioning the wobble laden formula. We’ve seen huge crossover into the “live” & indie realms by the likes James Blake, Mount Kimbie and Seekae who tinker with the avant-garde and experimental.

SBTRKT makes a point of difference from those artists housed under the Post-Dubstep umbrella. There’s no emphasis on decaying vocal treatments or huge spaced out psychedelic effects. In fact, SBTRKT’s production is impeccably clean. This album is not so much an experimental exploration as it is a beautifully crafted pop record.

He uses his musical knowledge to great effect, creating perfectly grooved drum rhythms and incredibly catchy synth hooks. Every element has its place and adds to the soundscape of each song without compromising space and flow. This is where he excels – laying down simple yet lush sonic settings for the vocalists that feature throughout the album.

Most notably Young Turks label mate Sampha appears extensively with his raspy and soulful R&B croonings. The synergetic working relationship between Sampha, an esteemed producer in his own right, and SBTRKT is evident on such tunes as Trials of The Past where Sampha vocally traverses the new-wave-key-stabs and the growling sub bass with a deeply emotive delivery.

Little Dragon front woman Yukimi appears on the albums lead single Wildfire. The beat sounds basic enough for even Lil Wayne to put together and the looped synth line is nothing intricate but coupled with Yukimi’s colourful vocal, Wildfire is fire.

Jesse Ware also stars extensively, especially on my favourite track of the album Right Thing To Do. It’s got a pulsating bass line straight out of a old school jungle tune with a minimal stripped back 2-step drum pattern.

Elsewhere SBTRKT lets it rip on instrumental tracks; showing off his finesse as a producer with more intricate harmonies and colourful melodies on Sanctuary, Ready Set Loop and Go Bang.

There’s certainly some truth in the saying “less is more.” Theres a real art in using restraint to make something simple sound so good. An art that SBTRKT seems to have on lock. As a Debut full length SBTRKT has delivered something tasteful with enough commercial viability to ensure some serious spotlight. Armed with an impressive live show SBTRKT is a hotly tipped producer and one to watch for upcoming big-name collaborations.