London-based multi instrumentalist/songwriter Jack Garratt has come into his own in 2015. After receiving a load of attention last year for his breakthrough Remnants EP, featuring instant classic “The Love You’re Given” and brandishing a sound many reckon lies between the starkness of James Blake and the electronic soul of Jamie Woon, Garratt continues to forge ahead on his artistic journey. This month he issued the Synesthesiac EP, which will be followed up by his highly anticipated full-length album due in the fall.
Currently touring his one-man live show all over the place, the wildly talented Garratt managed to find a few moments to reflect on five of his current favorite songs.
Jack Garratt’s Synesthesiac EP is out now. Catch him at Le Poisson Rouge in NYC on May 28, DC9 in Washington, D.C. on May 29 and The Independent in San Francisco on May 30.
1. Hiatus Kaiyote – “Breathing Underwater”
If the world could sing, she would sound like Nai Palm. Hiatus Kaiyote write ‘Multi-Dimensional, Polyrhythmic Gangster Shit’ which is all the right words in all the right order and is showcased perfectly in this track.
2. Vulfpeck – “Kuhmilch 74 BPM”
One of their more fervent instrumentals. It’s hard hitting and moody as pho. It takes their vintage, lo-fi sound to a much darker world.
3. Tom Waits – “16 Shells From A 30.6”
Everything I love about Waits in one song. It’s effortlessly cool, showcases his nonsensical and detailed lyricism. I don’t know how much gravel he swallowed before that vocal take but it must have been enough to re-pave a parking lot.
4. Lianne La Havas – “Unstoppable”
It is as it says it is. La Havas returns with not a song, but a force of nature. An immovable object to compliment the “unstoppable” force of her voice.
5. Son Lux – “Change Is Everything”
The opening synths are enough to seduce any angry soul into a place a focus. They ring like church bells calling you into their house, and their beautifully constructed melodies meet you with a grin at the door. This song is like coming home.
Image by William Selden