Fusing the gravity of soul with the levity of electronica, Spacek’s 2001 debut “Curvatia,” was heralded as a 21st century update of the former. In the US, traditional Motown has gradually been absorbed by hip hop, in Europe by electronica. So by taking influences from their past Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Barry White and digital inspiration from the present, the London-based trio developed a means of sonic exploration realized through minimal, delicately structured songs.
Signing to Island Blue for an eighth record deal set the group up as a future reference point for the then new wave of electronic song-based music, coinciding with the arrival of 2-step. “At the time the deal was a positive thing,” remembers singer Steve Spacek. “But major labels change and they asked us to do 2-step,” adds drum programmer Morgan Zarate. After switching to a smaller, independent label, the group were allowed the creative freedom they deserved to write new LP titled “Vintage Hi-Tech,” a sedate trip to the future of soul, that leads the listener into the leftfield. “The album’s really simple,” says Steve. “Just simple beats and ideas we don’t want to get caught up in all the nonsense and fashions anymore. It’s just about the feeling and the vibe right now.”
“Vintage Hi-Tech” (!K7/Pias) out April 14