Stateless // Matilda

If there’s ever a better time to review a good album it is now because let’s face it there isn’t much to look forward to in either January or February (except for my skiing trip of course).  Anyway, down to business – right from the very start I liked this album because it has a more than a hint of originality and balance.  There is a plentiful helping of sharp vocals on top of a booming sub-bass, with a subtle amalgamation of electronic distortion to finish things off.  Furthermore, Byork’s producer/programmer, Damian Taylor, was brought in to tidy everything up so the overall production is extremely well polished.  This may not make sense, but I want to roll with this idea anyway - when something is good it often appears to be simple because there is an element of natural effortless/talent to what is being achieved or played.  The second track, Ariel, is probably my favourite because the vocals complement the strong bass, which gives a meaningful purpose and direction to the track.  The rest of the album is however also extremely good and the different comparative sound of each track not only emphasises the imagination and ability of Stateless, but also the potential longevity of the album in terms of shelf life (i.e. the frequency in which you can listen to the album over and over again).  'Matilida' is therefore a welcome addition to help anyone through these dark months.