SBTRKT’s latest single is a stunning showcase of his signature sound and features the impressive vocal stylings of collaborator LEILAH, leaving us eager for his upcoming album release.
The moment has finally arrived, ladies and gentlemen. The enigmatic and genre-defying artist known as SBTRKT has unleashed “NO INTENTION,” the final piece of the puzzle ahead of his long-awaited and highly anticipated new album.
And if the latest single, “NO INTENTION,” is anything to go by, this album is shaping up to be a truly transcendent and otherworldly experience. The track features the vocal prowess of the one and only LEILAH, with SZA like perfect precision, and honeyed timbre, LEILAH is a perfect vessel for the confessional and emotionally raw lyrics. Her distinct vocals move with finesse amidst the pulsating drum machine beats and ascending synths.
SBTRKT’s ability to weave together complex sonic elements in a way that feels effortless is a testament to his considerable talent as an artist.
“NO INTENTION” is a dreamy, spacious and heartfelt masterpiece. With layered cinematic sounds that transport the listener to another world, the track is wrapped in tightly melodic and luxuriously layered arrangement that serves as the perfect backdrop for LEILAH’s stunning vocals, and the result is nothing short of breathtaking.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The Rat Road promises to be an eclectic and genre-bending journey through the mind of one of the most inventive and forward-thinking producers of our time.
The album features an impressive roster of established and burgeoning artists, including D Double E, Little Dragon, Saya Gray, Teezo Touchdown, Toro Y Moi, Sampha, George Riley, Anna Of The North, and Kai Isaiah Jamal.
What sets SBTRKT’s approach to collaboration apart is his willingness to seek out interesting and new talents from across the UK and the US, rather than simply relying on bigger streaming and stat-building collaborations. This approach is evident in the album’s diverse soundscapes, which seamlessly blend footwork, techno, mutant garage, pop-leaning future-synth production, and more.
The Rat Road is not just another album release for SBTRKT. Instead, it is a deeply intimate and personal project that draws from the artist’s own well of emotion and experience. With each track, SBTRKT bares his soul, wearing his emotions openly and inviting the listener to join him on a journey through the highs and lows of the human experience.
The taut, wiry slices that make up much of the album’s production are imbued with a sense of menace and urgency, reflecting the artist’s distinct mode of expression and his willingness to push the boundaries of his craft. In this way, The Rat Road is not just a collection of songs, but a window into the heart and mind of one of music’s most innovative and enigmatic figures.
The Rat Road is a true marriage of genres, with SBTRKT’s febrile presence felt throughout. This is a project that prioritizes intention and purpose over spectacle, and the result is a work of art that is both deeply affecting and sonically groundbreaking.
SBTRKT’s music is a reminder that there is beauty to be found in even the most melancholy or exhilirating of moments, and that sometimes, the most powerful form of expression is the one that is felt rather than heard.
So mark your calendars, because SBTRKT is back and better than ever.
The Rat Road, is set to drop on May 5th via AWAL, preorder or stream here.
TRACKLIST
1. Remnant
2. Waiting feat. Teezo Touchdown
3. Rain Crush
4. Days Go By feat Toro Y Moi
5. LFO feat. Sampha & George Riley
6. Creepin Interlude
7. Limitless feat. Sampha & LEILAH
8. Go To Ground
9. Wasted feat. Anna Of The North
10. Coppa feat, Kai Isaiah Jamal
11. You , Love
12. Don’t Let
13. No Intention feat. Leilah
14. Forward feat. Leilah
15. D-Double-E Interlude feat. D Double E
16. You Broke My Heart But Imma Fix It
17. Palm Reader
18. Drift feat. Leilah
19. Demons feat. Toro y Moi
20. Saya Interlude feat. Saya Gray
21. The Rat Road feat. Teezo Touchdown
22. I See A Stair feat. Little Dragon
TOUR DATES
Thu 25 May – Outernet – London, UK *SOLD OUT*
Sat 19 Aug – Field Day Festival – London UK
