Is it that time already? It only feels like yesterday that the little munchkins were being released from school and cool suburban Dads were strapping on the khaki shorts and whippin’ out the BBQ. So much has happened in so little time. This is especially true of the music world. There have been a whole bunch of fantastic summer releases that I am just dying to tell you about! So in the next couple weeks, before the dreaded Labour Day, I will be highlighting my favourite electronic releases of the summer. This series is called {SUMRGEMZ} (some are gems, summer gems…get it?) I began the series back in July with my review of Valentin Stip’s Anytime Will Do – EP and I will pick up where I left off with a review of the debut album from Saturn Never Sleeps!
My introduction to Saturn Never Sleeps’ music was their remix of Shigeto’s ghostly track “Children At Midnight.” In fact I posted an article on the remix way back in June (see here). Since then I have been eagerly awaiting the release of their debut LP entitled “Yesterday’s Machine”. Sounds sinister doesn’t it? Not quite. Saturn Never Sleeps’ music is an enchanting blend of acid jazz and downtempo electronica with a lil’ bit of soul thrown in. As mentioned in my earlier article, Saturn Never Sleeps is the collaborative effort of established DJ/producer King Britt and vocalist Rucyl Mills. Although this is only their first album together, it sounds as though the two have been making music for years. The chemistry is undeniable. Rucyl’s smooth, impassioned lullabies complement King Britt’s hazy, warm production elegantly. If you dig a little into King Britt’s past the veteran prowess makes a lot more sense. Britt has been making music since the early 90’s when him and compatriot Josh Wink were known as E-Culture, best known for their 1993 hit “Tribal Confusion”. He went on to do other collaborations and eventually several solo albums leading up until 2007. Yesterday’s Machine feels like Britt’s most refined effort to date; its explorations in funk, soul and left-field house are significant additions to his discography. The album is full of highlights like on the penultimate track “All Seasons Are Good” Britt’s groove oddly recalls Mezzanine-era Massive Attack while Rucyl hums softly about wanting to hold her lover. First single “Tory” is also an inspiring blend of neo-soul and funky space-age electronica. “Hearts On Fire” has a more lounge, chillout vibe; something like Lemongrass with vocals. Yesterday’s Machine is a breath of fresh air in more ways than one. It’s a pleasing listen and a revolutionary take on a retro sound. For those of you that are broke and can’t afford to support an independent artist I have good news! Click here for a free download of Yesterday’s Machine from the SNS website.
[audio:Saturn Never Sleeps – Tory.mp3,Saturn Never Sleeps – Hearts On Fire.mp3,Saturn Never Sleeps – All Seasons Are Good.mp3]If you would like to purchase Yesterday’s Machine, you can do so at the following locations:
Bonus:
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