Lowlands émigré Martyn is a man out of place – but then, that’s exactly how he likes it.
Refusing to bow down to scene lines, the producer is able to deliver one of the most varied, insightful records of his career. ‘The Air Between Words’, his third overall and first album for Ninja Tune, manages to utilise contributions from Four Tet and Inga Copeland, yet still emerges feeling like a unified voice.
‘Glassbeadgames’ is a shattering, propulsive piece of electronics, while ‘Lullaby’ has a graceful poetry, a truly humane edge.
Ending with ‘Fashion Skater’, Martyn manages to strip through countless layers, to absorb numberless ideas without losing sight of his own identity. A fine return.
8/10
Words: Robin Murray
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Related: Playlist: Martyn
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Listen to ‘The Air Between Words’ in full via Deezer, below…
