Debut studio album from Pembury's Leon Vynehall. While some may argue that Nothing Is Still is not truly Vynehall's debut album the whole idea is behind the point. Built around the concept of his grandparents' journey from the UK to New York City, the album is a heady mix of ambient and modern classical influences that finds the producer moving away from the club sounds that have come to define his career. The music captures the hope, expectations and defeats of finding a new life somewhere you've never been. Vynehall's instrumentation and arrangements set Nothing Is Still apart from music of his earlier releases. Working with a ten piece string section arranged by Amy Langley, as well as the saxophonist and flautist Finn Peters and the pianist Sam Beste, Vynehall dives deep into downtempo and ambient experimentation. The tracks flow fluidly as Vynehall sheds the tag of dance music producer and moves firmly into the realm of an artist simply expressing himself. Ten tracks in all. Released by Ninja Tune on black vinyl with a digital download.

• digital download included
• music label: Ninja Tune 2018

reviewed by May Flower 06/2018