Review: SBTRKT - 'Wonder Where We Land'
Aaron Jerome AKA 'SBTRKT' brings us into the future with his sophomore album 'Wonder Where We Land' featuring an array of collaborators such as Sampha, A$AP Ferg, Jessie Ware and Raury, to name a few. Prior to this, Jerome released his EP 'Transitions', which acts as a bridge gap between his debut album 'SBTRKT' and 'Wonder Where We Land'.
The first track 'Day 1' sets the tone for the 'Wonder Where We Land', opening with a screechy, atmospheric synth that moves through chords wavily across the 35 seconds of song. It feels like a new start, a transition, although nothing that wouldn't be out of place on SBTRKT's self titled debut album.
Next up is the title track 'Wonder Where We Land' featuring veteran SBTRKT collaborator Sampha, whose smooth crooning vocal settles over this surprisingly relaxing beat. Never have we heard Sampha's voice being utilized like this, from pitched down vocal samples, reverse chops and even beat boxing part way through, SBTRKT puts Sampha's voice through it's paces. The bone rattling bass line that's introduced at the opening of this moody track glides smoothly underneath recorded piano, electronic blips and vocals marking a change from the upbeat warm synthy textures of the first album.
'Lantern' opens with techno arpeggios and wacky production that wouldn't sound out of place on a SBTRKT's recently released 'Transitions EP'. One of the rare tracks on the album without a vocal collaborator, this song buzzes with electronics and intricate melodies.
One of the album highlights of 'Wonder Where We Land' is one of the singles, 'Higher' featuring hyped up and coming vocalist Raury. SBTRKT takes a downtempo approach, grounding 'Higher' firmly in more Hip Hop territory, with soaring pads, vocals and a punchy beat. This is possibly the most accessible and catchy song on the album, being more straightforward in comparison some of the other electronic laden tracks.
'Day 5' is the second interlude of the album, this time switching electronics for, what sounds like, a recording of a brass band playing in the middle of a street. Simple but effective, creating a moody atmosphere for the second half of 'Wonder Where We Land'.
Next up 'Look Away' featuring Caroline Polachek from band Chairlift. Maybe the most experimental song on the album, featuring a prominent piano as well as Caroline's catchy vocals that you'll find yourself humming hours after.
'Osea' features fellow Young Turks artist Koreless, known for his spacy drum-less pieces of electronic ambience. In this song the two producers layer an increasing amount textured synth sounds, making something that wouldn't sound out of place on a Tron movie soundtrack.
The album's first single 'Temporary View' features the very prominent Sampha, who seems to be a SBTRKT staple. Maybe one of the most accessible songs on the album, this song twinkles with synths and clean half time drums. In my opinion the most catchy chorus on the album, Sampha at his best.
'New Dorp New York' is another single, maybe the most hyped track of the album, featuring Ezra Koenig of indie band Vampire Weekend. The booming bass line is the key element on this song, featuring acoustic drum sounds and Koenig's funky, sharp vocals over a simple bass drum beat. Although 'Wonder Where We Land' is quite a mixed bag, this song stands out as the most different, in comparison to SBTRKT's debut album.
The next song, 'Everybody Knows' is classic SBTRKT, being reminiscent of the warmth and brightness of his debut album. Featuring an undisclosed vocalist, the song simmers with subdued piano chords and tropical sounding beats.
'Problem Solved' features Jessie Ware, a Young Turks regular, appearing on Sampha songs as well as previous SBTRKT songs 'Right Thing To Do'. On this song we see Jessie move into more RnB territory, again featuring a prominent piano part, this song is a punchy but soulful jam that utilizes Jessie's soft vocals tones.
'If It Happens' is reminiscent of Sampha's 'Dual EP' being a simple stripped back piano ballad, progressing through chords, giving Sampha's voice fulls spotlight. Sampha's smooth silky voice seems riff over the song dynamically making this the most simple but effective song on the album.
Sampha's next cut on this album comes with 'Gon Stay'. Making use of Sampha's falsetto, SBTRKT makes an almost Samba like beat, featuring clicking drum sounds, Tom's and hi hats. It's very live sounding, which seems to be a recurring motif on this album, featuring real instruments but with some programming over the top.
'The Light' features Denai Moore, being a more low key song, made up of sampled piano sounds and clicks. Denai Moore's vocals really carry the song, being the main feature, providing beautiful harmonies over this dark beat.
The A$AP Ferg featuring 'Voices In My Head' sees Ferg vocalise over an acoustic hip hop beat with sustained piano chords. The intro features Ferg crooning over high cut keyboard chords before he launches into a ferocious rap proving he's a name to watch in the future. The drums are courtesy of Warpaint, making this one of the most unlikely but successful collabs on the album.
In summary, with SBTRKT's past two years being filled with live shows supporting his debut album, you can see that it had an effect on Wonder Where We Land. The album feels like a more live orientated album with electronic sounds added over the top, giving it a more experimental feel. Is it up to par with 2011's album 'SBTRKT'? It's hard to say. It feels like a grower. Of course, with a bunch of bonus songs on the way for the Deluxe Version of this album, we've still got more SBTRKT to come, which may even add to the album.
