___ / ____ __\__/_ _____ ____ ____ ____ _______ ____\ \_____ \ /__\_ \___\ \ ___\ \ / \__\ \ / _ / \___ _/ _/ _ / __/__/ __/__\ _ \ / / / _ \_ \___/ / _/_____/ ____/ /___/ \_ \\_______\ ___/ / \________\ \______) \______\ \______/ \ \______\ \______\ artist.....: Sampha album......: Dual EP year.......: 2013 label......: Young Turks YT087 CD source.....: CDDA moodswing..: Hip-Hop releasesize: 30,3 MB tracks.....: 06 length.....: 17:25 min encoder....: VBR LAME 3.98.4 -V0 quality....: avg. 239kbps scenealized: 10.09.2013 Part of the charm of SBTRKT's 2011 self-titled debut was the presence of Sampha Sisay, a now 24-year-old South Londoner who lent his voice to nearly every track on the album. There was never a doubt that, based on raw talent alone, Sampha was not only an artist to keep a close eye on (the same year found him collaborating with then-upstarts Jessie Ware and Lil Silva), but one with star potential. On the bracing "Hold On", his vocals-- warm but damaged, understated yet dynamic-- ache with loneliness, whereas on more movement-minded concoctions like "Sanctuary", it's transformed into a conduit for light- speed, future-minded R&B. In other words, Sampha's instrument is a dexterous one, effortlessly commanding attention in whatever context it's placed. Now after spending the past few years as an integral part of SBTRKT's live show, he's finally stepping out on his own with the deeply personal Dual EP. Last month, Drake debuted his new single "The Motion" in anticipation of his forthcoming third record Nothing Was the Same, with Sampha in tow on both vocal and production duties. Though Sampha's singing isn't featured prominently, the melancholic tug of his presence is felt in nearly every corner of the track, from the lighter-than-air atmospherics to his downcast, honeyed croon. It signified what could be a more noticeable arrival for Sampha, especially when coupled with the the release of Dual. But somewhat surprisingly, it feels as if he's pushing against the idea of an elevated profile with the 17 minutes of music that make up his first solo venture. Instead of acting as a grand coronation, Dual is a patient piece of work that finds Sampha in no rush to capitalize on a moment, instead opting to showcase simple, relatable musings on loss, uncertainty, and moving forward. At the same time, Dual carries a strange urgency with it, as if these songs had to come out of him now (despite their genesis going back years, in certain cases). The result is unexpected, but refreshing, with Sampha comfortably inhabiting the role of an artist interested in staying true to himself. So it goes without saying that Dual isn't something you'll find yourself dancing much to (save maybe for the sultry "Without", complete with plastic bucket street drumming and bleary synths). Instead, these ruminative, revealing songs paint a more intimate portrait of Sampha. There are ghosts hiding around almost every corner, like on the lost lullaby "Beneath the Tree", which finds him wishing a monster would "take all its things and go." Anchored by his delicate piano, it's the first thing that truly springs to life on the EP (it follows opener "Demons", one of two very short, homemade sounding one-offs). Sampha's relationship with keys are important to Dual; almost everything here seems to orbit around his voice and piano. The radiant "Indecision", with its gospel-like quality, feels as if it would be just as effective unplugged. But to do away with all the wonderful details, like those strange, mechanized backing vocal snippets, would be to ignore Sampha's deft ear for detail and his restrained but vibrant approach to mixing. These songs are nuanced and uncluttered. At the same time, the humanizing imperfections are never lost. (It's no wonder Drakes has revered him as a producer as much as a singer.) Unfortunately, this probably means that many won't pay as much attention to Sampha as a bonafide songwriter. And it's a shame, because while a passing glance at these songs may not reveal many layers, his use of repetition and unfussy language afford Dual some startling emotional relevance. Closer "Can't Get Close" is sung for his late father, who Sampha lost at the age of nine and still regards as one of his most important musical influences. Tapping into something haunting and pure, he sings over a mournful weave of pitched vocals, lamenting, "I can't get close to you." The desperation is something that will resonate with anyone familiar with the helplessness of loss. For someone so willing to lay himself this bare as a first impression is rare, but in terms of the music found on Dual, nothing could be more natural. It's further proof that following the sound of your own voice is often more fruitful and rewarding than doing what everyone else expects of you. DL Link: https://bleep.com/release/44924- sampha-dual Encoded from wav to vbr, enjoy! Psst, more info at www.theyoungturks.co.uk 01 Demons 00:55 02 Beneath The Tree 04:00 03 Without 03:46 04 Hesitant Oath 00:37 05 Indecision 04:28 06 Can't Get Close 03:39