Alembic - Shadow Tapes

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5...according to our Mike on Wed 09 Nov, 2011.

This guy seems to have appeared out of nowhere with this mini-album of laid-back and eclectic grooves which has little to complain about save its brevity at just under 25 minutes. Alembic is the pseudonym of producer Sam Norland, whose achievement here is to throw together many disparate influences to create something which sounds totally modern and unique. From a base of dubby electronica which occasionally veers into hip-hop-meets-slowed-right-down-dancehall territory, the drifty, reverby, chong-battering grooves beloved of the likes of Hype Williams and Flying Lotus float overhead, but there's still a sense of melodic focus and there's always some bright, clear tones from synths or elsewhere to keep everything from simply washing over you. Add to that a smattering of African-influenced percussion and you're in a whole new psychedelic groove-world. This short but sweet statement of intent gives a fresh take on a modern sound that has me very curious indeed as to what this gentleman will deliver next.

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From rural Devon to multicultural London, via the shores of Brighton. Alembic, aka Sam Norland,
distills life and culture, combining hip-hop and electronica with traditional African music. The
result is a diverse and colourful tapestry where experimental beats, analogue synths and grainy
textures collide with West African percussion, Zimbabwean Mbira and Congolese buzz'n'rumble.
Thriving on an experimental approach where each track is free to develop its own journey and
identity, Alembic twists and turns with interweaving grooves and intoxicating themes. Both a
musician and animator/designer, it is no surprise that Alembic's music has distinct cinematic and
synaesthetic qualities. Having worked on projects such as the BAFTA winning Fonejacker series,
he allows the two sides of his creative pallet to influence each other. For best results Alembic
recommends that you listen to his music with your eyes closed and stereo loud. Can you see
what he sees?
Live, Alembic is engaging and intricate, taking the audience on a journey that spans continents.
Armed with his Mbira, Laptop and other electronic gadgets he melds his studio sound into an
immersive sonic environment that will have you moving in ways you didn’t know you could!
Hot off the back of a summer of festivals, gigs and radio play including Glade, Secret Garden Party
and BBC Introducing; Alembic is definitely one to watch.