SBTRKT - Trials of the Past

I am really looking forward to this Friday when I am going to see SBTRKT in London. I love Sampha's voice and I love the post-dubstep sound that SBTRKT has created. There's a soulful gentleness to it, but also a funky backbone behind it. I always find it interesting to see how producers of electronic type music replicate the sound live. Samplers, keyboards and Ableton is the accepted way and it is always interesting to see how the acts manipulate the tools at their disposal. Here's a quick taster with "Trials of the Past", from a TV performance about 18 months ago.

Danny Byrd feat. General Levy - Blaze the Fire (Rah!)

Classic jungle sound with General Levy MC'ing updated for the 2012 era. More jungle please!

Villem - Shimmer EP

This is the latest release from the Med School branch of Hospitality Records, Med School. Liquid D&B is always something I have enjoyed. With this EP what I particularly enjoy is the synth/SFX combination. It feels beautifully soothing, particularly as I hear this on a Sunday afternoon. From the EP my favourite track is Poly. I love the understated, insistent, yet funky bass-line. Hospitality will be hosting their fifth event at Brixton this Friday 28th September. Hopefully I will be going. Love Brixton Academy!

Sub Focus (ft Alpines) - Tidal Wave (Kill Sonik remix)

The new album from Sub Focus is due to be released soon. Hopefully this will propel him up another level, to Chase & Status type of success. I am enjoying the radio version of Tidal Wave and the Kill Sonik drumstep remix. What I like particularly about the remix is that it has maintained the dreamy nature of the original, and keeps a beat that suits the high floating vocals of Alpines.

Colin Munroe ft. K Flay - Your Eyes(Datsik remix)

Love the blend of piano house, drumstep, dubstep and Colin Munroe's vocal performance in this song. He is a vocalist from Canada who has released a few independent albums. I like Datsik's production too. In my opinion he is Skrillex with a bit more subtlety! And K.Flay's rap is hot too.

KT Tunstall - Black Horse and the Cherry Tree

The latest series of Jools Holland is just about to start. It is still one of the most pivotal music programs in the history of this country. I think it is because you have the right mix of established bands and new acts. Though Jools Holland can be a bit stilted with his delivery at times his presenting is an essential part of the show. For me the most exciting moments are when a new act gains their first taste of national prominence, even though you aren't quite aware of them. It was definitely the case when KT Tunstall first appeared with her loop pedal and performed "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree". As a last minute replacement for Nas she turned in a wonderful performance and proceeded to sell lots of copies of her debut album. Here's hoping that there will be many new acts to excite the public in the forthcoming series!

Rustie - After Light