Martyn - Ghost People

Martyn has built up a cult following since his beginnings in the Dutch D&B scene but became the name on everyone's lips when he dropped a stone cold killer slice of future garage on Apple Pips. Then followed a slew of EP's and the critically acclaimed 'Great Lengths'. So I guess you could say that expectations for this record are fairly high. Also taking into consideration that it's out on Flying Lotus' Brainfeeder label. It kicks off with manic synth pulses and the future dread vocals from mister Spaceape dropping some cyber shit and 'Love & Machines'. The short 'Viper' with its aggressive bass riff and some tasty synth work that build up huge anticipation for a big rhythm to drop but it never does. A bit of a teaser. Then the shivering euphoria of 'Masks' drops with shuffling percussion, slinky house groove and gorgeous “Reese” bass. Actually it could probably be mistaken for a Kevin Saunderson creation what with the classy chords and all. A pretty obvious choice to release this track on 12”. 'Distortions' is a rhythmic pounder with UK Funky drums, sampled vocal dialogue and ethereal synths. 'Popgun' is even more in the UKF style with big marching snares and gnarly bass bin wrecking b-line. It definitely has Martyn's trademark sound, as does the entire album. Nothing seminal here but his take on and blending of established styles (Dubstep/ Techno/ House/ Grime/ Garage etc.) creates something that is entirely his own take on bass music. The album is cut into two by the short 'I Saw You At Tule Lake' which is a sort of mid-tro with spooked oldskool house/hardcore keys, a vibe that continues into the title track and further into 'Twice As'. 'Bauplan' is a dramatic synthesizer orchestration with lovely melodies and strings. The overall mood recalls Luke Slater's early/mid 90's work as The 7th Plain (Seek those early GPR recordings out if you don't have them). 'Horror Vacui' is propelled by stomping chi-town style 909 claps, tumbling snares, bleepy rim-shots and an acidic bassline. The true killer though has been saved until last with the full on end of the night, hugging your sweaty mates, hands in the air euphoric bliss of 'We Are You In The Future' which is destined to be slaying dancefloors across the planet and has “Anthem” oozing from every element. I could have done without the oldskool vamps that kick in mid-way though but it's quite a long tune so could easily mix out of it by the time they arrive. Still a sweet tune though and along with 'Masks' make it well worth grabbing.