Sampha has followed an uncommon path for an artist of his magnitude. After breaking out on the scene with a remix of The xx's "Basic Space", he became a longtime collaborator with SBTRKT, released two extended plays, and lent his voice to songs for Drake, Kanye West, and Solange. With such a star-studded career spanning eight years, it's almost hard to believe that Process is his debut LP, yet, regardless of time from the start of his career to now, it is a sieve in which all his past work comes together for a cohesive, introspective, and stunning first work. Evident on tracks throughout Process is Sampha's affinity for experimental electronic leanings. "Plastic 100ºC", the album's opening track, blends plucked strings, sinister electronic undertones, and the aching croon of Sampha's trademark voice. Process also has its brooding moments, namely on "Take Me Inside". The track is mostly piano until the end, where Sampha introduces a burst of sound and emotion, which transitions directly into the next track, "Reverse Faults". The album's closing track, "What Shouldn't I Be?", gives listeners a solid conclusion to the ten-track masterpiece, and, on it, Sampha returns to what he knows best, the piano, which really drives home the beauty and care that's been put into the album as a whole. Sampha is touring with The xx on their upcoming United States tour, so, check for dates and locations, and absolutely, positively listen to his album highlights below.
Sampha