Martyn’s third album has a certain warmth to it, reflecting a desire on the part of the producer to move in a new sonic direction. As a result it is a lot lighter than previous work, with much less of the dubstep sound he has successfully used, but continues to play to his strengths of original beat making. The extra freedom he enjoys here is clear from ‘Drones’, a very jazzy, piece of work with a bouncy beat, but one that ultimately develops into a more acidic work-out. ‘Two Leads And A Computer’ feels quite remote but in a soothing way, tapping into some stylistic features of rave music 25 years ago but still sounding relatively fresh. ‘Forgiveness Step 1’ provides a warm and lush introduction, while ‘Glassbeadgames’, a collaboration with Four Tet twists a vocal hook into its inventive drum beat. Meanwhile ‘Fashion Skater’ reveals Martyn’s more soulful side. Martyn says that the title refers to ‘the universal force that connects every living being’ – and his own style has moved to reflect that human side. It suits him.
