Sunday 6 March 2011

Gil Scott Henderson and Jamie xx- We're New Here




Since first listening to the dub infused track “NY is killing me” way back in Nov/ Dec 2010 we definitely knew that Jamie xx had been cooking up something big behind closed doors. Remixing the Gil Scott Henderson Album “I’m New Here” The XXer has produced something that is nothing short of magic.


The sound of this album is as hard as it is easy to explain, being a cross between; Dubstep, jazz, two step, house, soul, hip hop and electro house. This range seems to be something that was aimed for with this album which was made by a variety of sounds which incorporated; synths, loops, drum machines, guitars, samples, drum kits and of course Gils vocals. I would be lying if I said there was no XX influence or sound to this album, but there is only a hint of that with the rest oozing originality. Starting from the end and working back, on the last track (and most recent one put up on the website) “I’ll Take Care of you” The piano gives the 90’s house feel which is backed by a heavy dub drumbeat. Simple enough to start off with but it morphs into an electro house romp with the guitar melody echoing flawlessly over the samples, loops and synths.



Heavy beats and melodic instrumentals line each and every track, giving a new life to the contrasting gravelly vocals provided by Gil. This odd couple, strangely, make a beautiful pair that seem to effortlessly bring something fresh and new to the table. This is simply done by the uniqueness of all the remixes on the album, and the diversity which follows each track.



Jamie xx has done quite a few popular remixes which have brought him more and more to the fore and with his production on the Mercury prize winning self titled album for his band the XX, this has more than shown his ability on both sides on the music fence. Remixes of; Florence and the machine, insert name here and insert another name here have been very popular in both the club and mainstream scenes. Being the man behind the production, decks and the drum machine in the XX also is a bonus when venturing out into the wild as a one man band as his skills shine through.


Overall this is a welcomed introduction to one of the UK’s bright talents which are coming through, with Jamie not riding purely on the XX sound he brings his own which has far more bass and rhythm however he still keeps the same melodic aura of his band. This album is a musical treat for anyone, it’s not mainstream, it’s not typical stuff you would hear on the radio, its real music that will excite your senses. All I can say is if you enjoyed the first two tracks up the website go and get the album, it’s a real treat. Trust me.

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