Synkro
“Changes”
Changes (out 09.19 on Apollo)
Though he’s been making quality music for nearly ten years, the Mancunian dubstep (né Joe McBride) early adopter is only now getting around to releasing his first proper LP. While everything about the musical landscape has changed — including the meaning of the word ‘dubstep’ (Burial, not Skrillex) — Synkro’s sound really hasn’t. Like much of his excellent past work (see: 2008’s beautiful, Brandy flipping, “Everybody Knows” or 2013’s breakthrough single “Acceptance”) “Changes” layers evocative, faraway vocal samples over meticulously crafted, roomy keyboards and just enough percussion to keep things moving along. It’s remained a winning formula, due to McBride’s deft, restrained touch with vocal samples and his talent for crafting mood and atmosphere. Sometimes the best way to whether the changing times is just to keep on doing what you’re doing.
