Crack

SBTRKT (otherwise known as Aaron Jerome) first came to Crack's attention as a producer and DJ back in 2009, yet his crossover into a 'live dance act' in support of his self-titled album released a few months ago is still relatively in its infancy.

The album itself, a very crisp, beat driven production which broadly blends genres seamlessly, is a highlight of 2011 but also a sound that may be difficult to transfer live with just two people. This is SBTRKT's first Bristol live gig and anticipation within the sold out Thekla was palpable as he took to the stage alongside album collaborator (and Young Turks labelmate) Sampha.

Starting with album opener Heatwave, it soon became clear SBTRKT works himself pretty hard to reproduce his precise and layered album sound, a pattern which followed throughout the show. Although he spent the majority of his time behind a drum kit, he was also in control of the backing beats on the laptop, as well as the many different samplers and effects which seemed to engulf the stage and occasionally throw the duo off balance with their timings.

Despite this, songs such as Living Like I Do and Pharaohs are even punchier live than on record thanks largely to the more prevalent drum beat, which SBTRKT appears keen to feature in his live set. Hold On – a dark, brooding album track – is punctuated by Sampha’s remarkably soulful voice…a solo success waiting to happen. Although SBTRKT’s main focus is on replicating his album sound, the songs often have the air of reinterpretations, with constantly tweaked sounds, and a slowing of beats. This was highlighted by Right Thing To Do, drawn out into a bass heavy, seven minute house epic which made the evening seem more like a club night than a midweek gig.

However, the greatest audience reception of the night is predictably saved for the recorded vocals of Wildfire, the Little Dragon collaboration which has been subject to the Drake remix treatment. A grinding, bassy song which has been everywhere since the summer, it’s a fitting way to demonstrate the versatility of SBTRKT as a producer and leaves Crack (and a lot of the crowd it’d seem) thinking as live debuts go, SBTRKT couldn’t add much more.



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Words: Dominic Hilair

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