8/10

When SBTRKT first emerged with his breakthrough self-titled debut album in 2011, it was seen as one of the most original and inventive electronic releases of that year. Working closely with his regular collaborator Sampha, who would himself become a renowned name in his own right, the producer had tapped into a sound that was so distinctive and immersive, he was able to carry it through his subsequent LPs 'Wonder Where We Land' and 'SAVE YOURSELF' in the years since. But now reemerging for the first time in seven years, he looks to enter a new phase with his long-awaited fourth full-length 'The Rat Road', a record that explores a multitude of new ideals.

In the build-up to this new collection, SBTRKT, whose real name is Aaron Jerome, chose to drop the mask that had become a symbol of his live performances since he first began, showing that this was indeed a whole new identity we were seeing. Largely inspired by his work with global superstars in recent years, and choosing to invite the likes of Sampha, Toro y Moi, Little Dragon and many more along for the ride, 'The Rat Road' feels like a richer and more enigmatic listen throughout. Despite its 22-track runtime, it manages to innovative at almost every turn, giving it this wonderfully broad and kaleidoscopic feel.

It may have come after an extended period of quiet for the producer, but this new era of SBTRKT feels like we are listening to him for the first time once again. Finding and exploring new and interesting ideas throughout his newest collection, it is a strong and confident step into the unknown that pays off dividends from start to finish.