Every year it seems like there’s one LP that comes along and forces you to cancel your plans for the week. And it’s never one of those records that’s been hyped up and dragged out for months and months, it’s always some sleeper who was right under your nose. Devotion is one of those records, and Tirzah is just such an artist: a string of one-offs lending guest vocals to Tricky and Baauer, and a full EP with Mica Levi on DDS all culminate in this concise full-length entirely produced by Levi who, fresh off varying (but all highly acclaimed) scores for Under The Skin, Delete Beach and Jackie, now adds sleepy R&B conductor to their CV. Over the course of 11 tracks, Tirzah breathes earnest but unhurried tales of longing and um, devotion over Levi’s bed of post-grime boombap, utilizing the most pared-down sound kit imaginable but still conjuring something completely mesmerizing. Not too dissimilar from the formula laid down by Inc. on the No World LP a few years ago, but with a decidedly English touch and way less self-aware. I predict it’ll be the perfect soundtrack to those mildly-stoned twilight hours laid-up with your crush circa October/November. Mixed by Kwes. (Young Turks, Warp) and featuring Coby Sey (Whities) on the stunning title track; also check out “Gladly,” “Say When,” “Guilty.” Fans of Dean Blunt, Jenny Hval, Laurel Halo et al should be all over this. Heavy 180g pressing, recommended.

• 180g black vinyl pressing
  
• full color printed inner sleeve
• digital download included
• music label: Domino 2018

reviewed by carparts, bottles & cutlery 08/2018