Safe in the Steep Cliffs
Emancipator
1320 Records
4.5/5 stars
Trip-hop is one of those genres based on a feeling more than anything else, and if there was one word to describe that feeling, it would be chill. Generally this attitude in production, sampling and execution gives rise to an intense but slow electronic groove.
Emancipator's new album Safe in the Steep Cliffs does all this while still sounding fresh. For that it is so far one of the best releases of the year.
What really stands out on this vocal-less album is the rich diversity of instrumentation. From jazzy horns to piano flourishes and banjo melodies, each track has a different scope of sounds. This makes listening to the whole album very enjoyable; Doug Appling avoids the pitfall of many producers – creating a completely homogenous electronic record.
While the disc is cohesive, it manages to find that middle ground to keep listeners interested. A standout track is “Old Devil,” driven by fantastic drum sampling, strings and that aforementioned banjo. Another highlight, “Nevergreen” comes immediately after “Old Devil” and contrasts the song beautifully with its down-tempo groove that features a fuzzy guitar solo.
This record accomplishes everything it sets out to do. With its perfect blend of organic and electronic samples, any fan of the genre will love this (if they don't already). Anyone new to electronic music should take a listen, you'll be surprised how much soul this stuff has.