9/10
When producer Jon Hopkins dropped his fourth studio album 'Immunity' back in 2013, he went from a largely unknown name into one of the most progressive electronic artists of the time. The record brought him more acclaim and success than he had ever seen in his career, so it would only make sense that anything that follows it would take more time than most to produce. But after five years away, the producer is back to deliver a wholly spectacular return.
While 'Immunity' spent a lot of its time exploring experimental soundscapes that brought awe and wonder to the listener, 'Singularity' seems to be more of a beat-led release, opting for percussion over atmosphere a lot of the time. But with Hopkins being of such a broad state of mind, this is not simply an ode to the techno arena but an expansive set of ideas that create an extremely honed sense of direction, while simultaneously aiming to deliver a new sound as it plays.
'Singularity' is a glitch-filled, squelchy, techno juggernaut that becomes even more captivating with each play. It's fair to say that this new release definitely moves in a new way than his previous work, but one that is still mind-bending to experience.