Trials of The Past - SBTRKT
SBTRKT (pronounced as "subtract") is the electronic group led by Aaron Jerome. At most times SBTRKT is just Jerome but live it is more often than not Aaron Jerome and a frequent collaborator Sampha. Sampha is the one who you will hear singing on this track (Trials of the Past), and in live performances Jerome is the electronic and acoustic drums while also using samples and a mixing desk, while Sampha plays keyboards, triggers vocal loops and sings.
Started out of the U.K. in 2009, SBTRKT has gotten a lot of attention from music lover and lovers of thought, and for good reason. Jerome was asked why he is named SBTRKT and not just use his own name an in response he delivered an answer that captured many idealists; " [I would] rather not talk about myself as a person, and let the music speak for itself. The name SBTRKT is me taking myself away from that whole process...It's more about giving them a record as an anonymous person and seeing whether they like it or not." This is something that not only myself but many people find extremely interesting considering how big SBTRKT has become. It is not only the name the provides Jerome with anonymity but his attire. A lot of people are growing weary of people wearing masks at shows as a gimmick, however SBTRKT's is not as much a gimmick as it is a statement. On stage he wears modern interpretations of native cultures' ceremonial masks designed by "Hidden Place".
To add to the greatness under the belt, SBTRKT has done remixes of extremely popular and well-known artists such as M.I.A, Radiohead, Modeselektor, Basement Jaxx, Mark Ronson, Underworld and Goldie. Considering how popular she has finnaly gotten I find it necessary to add that SBTRKT is really good friends with Jessie Ware and they perform together frequently, not just in the U.K. but around the world.
Trials Of The Past is off of the newest album (self titled by the way) and it a great example of how great SBTRKT is. If you believe that SBTRKT needs someone on vocals to make the music worth anything I encourage you to listen to Hide or Seek off of SBTRKT's Step In Shadows - EP. Overall I would give the album SBTRKT a solid 8/10. It may deserve a higher rating to be honest, but I can't bring myself to give anyone a 9/10 just yet. I strongly recommend you truly listen to SBTRKT as an artist and not just this song. Enjoy.
