I remember being surprisingly underwhelmed by his debut. "Wildfire" stood above everything on there by far (honorable mention to "Pharoahs" though). There really wasn't a lot that stuck with me. And, personally, I think Sampha is a very, VERY weak singer. There's a difference between raw singing and just hitting bum notes and his constant presence on the album ruined many a song for me.

This album is an improvement. More consistent in sound and the soundscapes are darker (leaning more towards R&B and jazz vs. dance and dubstep). The album feels more complete and somehow weirder at the same time.

"Everybody Knows" is ear-candy. Thank God Sampha sounds decent this time around on "Temporary View" (it's very similar to "Wildfire") and "Gon Stay." "New Dorp, New York" is also fire - the song is fresh and yet is clearly inspired by house from decades ago. Altogether, it's a much easier record to digest as a whole.

That said, something's still missing with SBTRKT. I like the album but I'm not rushing out to get tickets to the show like I am with some of the other music acts pouring out of the UK right now. He still seems a little aimless with what to do with his talents...

long time lurker...short time okayplayer.

soul4thought: Est. 2007
http://www.last.fm/user/soulelectric/