Martyn - Great Lengths

I don't recall a record this year that was nearly as anticipated as Martyn‘s debut longplayer Great Lengths. The album is officially out since yesterday and it's set to change the perception of dubstep forever. For those of you who are critical towards dubstep, this could turn out to be the first album in your collection, as it's the yet best proof for the genre's versatility.

In contrast to Benga or Skream, who seem to compete over the sickest sounding synths or the heaviest bassline, Martyn creates a deep organic sound. The mood of the album compares more to the sound of Appleblim or his label, Apple Pips, which incidentally started with a record from Martyn. As a result, you get a warm and rich sound, at times revealing its Detroit techno influence, making it work on both dancefloor and headphones.01. The Only Choice *
02. Krdl-T-Grv *
03. Right? Star!
04. Seventy Four
05. Little Things *
06. Vancouver *
07. These Words (feat. Dbridge)
08. Bridge *
09. Elden St.
10. Far Away
11. Hear Me
12. Is This Insanity (feat. Spaceape)
13. Brilliant Orange *
14. Natural Selection *

* CD exclusive tracks While my personal favourites include Elden St., Far Away and Natural Selection, the two vocal tracks deserve special mention. Dbridge‘s soulful vocals turn These Words into a classic single with potential for major radio airplay. Longtime Kode 9-collaborator Spaceape sounds refreshingly different on Is This Insanity?, not that I ever disliked his distinct voice.

The order and blending of all tracks, completed by two beatless compositions, turn Great Lengths into something bigger than the sum of its tracks. However, this applies only to the CD version, as some of the tracks are missing on vinyl, including the standout tracks (Vancouver and Natural Selection were previously released on 12-inch).

Juno Records currently delivers both, the CD and the triple LP for free, a download is also available.

Apr 22, 2009 Martyn lists his favourite records for the Best of Bleep charts!