SBTRKT: s/t

Label: Young Turks

Perhaps a nice complement to James Blake's more inward, somber-seeming record, the full-length debut by SBTRKT -- pronounced "subtract" and there just ain't much more we can tell you, as the South London producer favors anonymity, even wearing a mask while DJing -- takes late-era dubstep sounds into quasi R&B territory, keeping things upbeat and moving and, as a result, lots of fun. The playful and softly thumping "Hold On" is one of several tracks here to feature the soulful high-register of vocalist Sampha, who can sound convincing even when xylophone (or something like it) chimes around his lines. The pick-hit here is "Right Thing to Do," a simmering groove with vocals by the slinky-sounding Jessie Ware, who rides the bass-waves like an expert surfer. Eleven snapping tunes in all, a perfect way to change up your summer party!