Timeless by Goldie

UK people of a certain vintage will associate the name “Goldie” as belonging to one of the iconic Blue Peter kids tv pets of the 1970s, which is why I was slightly surprised to find today that Mr Goldie was the same age as me so would have presumably grown up watching the show as well. Maybe he just likes Golden Retrievers?

Anyhoo, this album is a wildly ambitious debut that mostly lands. Mostly. Drum ‘n’ bass is something of an acquired musical taste, with a lot of similarities with the complex mathematical patterns of Steve Reich or the manic high energy drumming of hard bop jazz. Goldie (with production by Rob Playford) also layers in some lush electronica and vocals from Diane Charlemagne and Lorna Harris.

The overall effect ranges from hypnotic to being overwhelming in places, but always intriguing.