Gloss - SBTRKT (2012)

From the release of Gamelana earlier this year, we know the masked producer has been back in the studio. Although SBTRKT has been vague as to what end he’s working towards, Gamelana and his latest release, Gloss, bring hope for a new EP or Album to follow up last year’s self-titled LP.

Always favouring mystery, SBTRKT never gives much warning when releasing a new cut. When Gloss appeared completely unannounced last week, it was definitely a pleasant surprise. A warming haze of melodic synth and percussion, the track is distinctly lighter and more hopeful than his previous work— It’s an up-lifting analog track that emulates summer. It may sound a bit flat for those more partial to tracks full of variation like Pharaohs or Wildfire, but Gloss is the ideal chill-out track for those who can appreciate SBTRKT’s new direction.

Stephanie Finnimore