With one of the most distinctive voices in the world of music, Sampha has been able to collaborate with or be sampled by some of the scene’s greats such as Solange, Drake, Kanye West and Frank Ocean.
Since being thrown into the limelight alongside these giants he can often be overshadowed, meaning that his solo work is somewhat disregarded. Since releasing his first EP Sundanza in 2011 he also appeared on a number on tracks on the hugely successful debut album from SBTRKT. This has taught him the skills needed to create an incredible body of work, which he released this month in the form of Process. The album’s name reflects more than just the process of creating art but also the struggle of processing emotions, the title track tackles the tough subject matter of losing both parents as a young man.
Something that is apparent from the beginning of this album is his confidence to take centre stage for a change, he has always had a knack for filling the gaps with subtle additions; this time around he proves himself as a solo act. The project’s most popular track so far is a shy piano piece, he speaks of his childhood and his late mother whilst the layering of his voice in some parts give the impression of a church choir. (No One Knows Me) Like The Piano stops you in your tracks, fans of James Blake’s first album will appreciate the subtle delicacy of Sampha’s song writing here. Even if his vocals are often rather relaxed they still carry immense pressure, and hold up against busier production at times. The album’s opening track Plastic 100C is a production masterclass, even with a plethora of sounds and ideas it never loses its focus. He sings ‘Houston can you hear, and we both had to harness our pain’ as he portrays more feelings of isolation, matching the melancholy oriental plucked melodies well. The drums here are a clever blend of 80’s toms and gated snares alongside trap-style hat trills, as always the vocal layers and ad libs are sublime but it is his lead vocal that stands tall.
Process is the debut studio album by British musician Sampha.
Blood On Me is one of the more upbeat tracks, with a live drum break driving the piece forward. You can still hear the pain in his voice, and the lyrical content is not for the faint-hearted. The tempo keeps rising as we move onto Kora Sings which has a distinctly SBTRKT feel, a busy intro of guitars, flutes and synths disappear when he starts to sing. Percussion wise this is one of the album’s most intricate, the complexity of the production in general is equally impressive but at times it could be perceived as sloppy.
Thankfully the vibe that fits him best is one that is explored even further as the album opens up, Take Me Inside is another heartbreaking piano piece. What Shouldn’t I Be? Is a similar concept, but as he closes the door on Process this final track is sung even more delicately. The piano keys are replaced by soothing pads and a synth-harp, the result is hypnotizing as the backing vocals wash away the pain of the past 9 tracks. He bears his soul again and again, Timmy’s Prayer features some hard hitting lines ‘I’ve lost another one’ ‘If heaven is listening’, if you did not listen closely you may think that this was a love song; follow the words though and you may be moved to tears.
Reverse Faults is at the halfway point however and features much more contemporary elements, reminiscent of acts like Banks and fellow Young Turks act FKA Twigs. The arpeggiated melody and grime inspired sliding square waves are tastefully referenced, when the electronic beat drops it all suddenly makes sense; making for one of the album’s most enjoyable listens. Sampha has really managed to tell his story on this project without being too self indulgent. You can appreciate it as a heartfelt ode to his difficult times, or detach yourself slightly and enjoy it purely on a musical level. Either way there is no denying that this could be the best album of the year so far, and without question his best work since Too Much. Don’t just take our word for it though, come and hear it in one of our demo rooms on some floor standing speakers today? We will have a box of tissues ready…
