The long awaited solo debut from Jamie xx is finally here! It's been only six years since Jamie Smith made his debut with The xx in 2009, and in that short span of time he's gone from being a producer in a band, to becoming one of the foremost figures in electronic music (not to mention a pretty good DJ too). The rise to fame is well deserved however, based on the strength of his acclaimed EPs and collaborations (including 2011's We're New Here with the legendary Gil Scott-Heron) alone. Now with In Colour, Jamie takes the next big step in his career with his first full length solo release. The sounds contained encompass his entire experience and growth as a producer, with a little help from his xx bandmates Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim and Four Tet, plus appearances from Young Thug and dancehall sensation Popcaan. From Jamie himself, "In Colour doesn’t feel like my first album because it’s the end of six years’ work. It’s about all of the music I’ve been inspired by in that time; the people I’ve met, the places I’ve been. I’ve gone from being a fan of electronic music, admiring great artists and producers, to feeling like I’m a part of their world. In Colour is about transition and transformation - going away, coming home, going away again, coming home again - and how that journey changes me every time. I love touring, and the places I’ve visited, but when I’m on my laptop I’m always thinking about home or music. I love being in a band, being a producer, being a DJ. This album is about all of that. In Colour isn’t the end of an era, it’s the start of what’s next." Recommended.

• black vinyl pressing
• housed in die-cut jacket w/ printed inner sleeve
• original release year: 2015
• music label: Young Turks 2020

reviewed by TKB 05/2015