Before embarking on their current U.S. tour, Washington, DC’s Thievery Corporation hinted that a new studio album is in the works for early 2017. The dub downtempo outfit led by Rob Garza and Eric Hilton have released full details about the release titled The Temple of I & I. Due out on February 10, 2017 via their ESL Music, the album draws creative inspiration from Jamaica. It’s a logical progression from the Jamaican vibes they espoused since their debut EP, Sounds from Thievery Hi-Fi.
“The innovation, spirit and power of Jamaican music is a constant source of creative manna for us,” explains Eric Hilton. “On the musical map, Jamaica is an entire continent. Frankly, we could have spent a year there, soaking up the vibes in the air and the strength and resilience resonating from the people. And for us, the only way to connect with this rich source of inspiration was to work in that environment – to feel the pulse of the place.”
The album features vocalist Racquel Jones. Hilton explains, “I met her on my first trip to Port Antonio and she played some demos at Geejam. She had actually used Thievery Corporation as her demo backing track, and it was a perfect match when I heard it. We’ve been waiting years to find a conscious, brilliant, female Jamaican singer and MC. As a model and former Miss Jamaica contestant, you’d never expect the pure lyrical fire and tough delivery could come out of her. It’s impressive.”
