Tom Warke reviews his Album of the Week…
Labrinth – Electronic Earth
Timothy McKenzie or, as he’s better known, Labrinth is an English singer-songwriter from Hackney, London.
Signed on to Simon Cowell’s record label, he is the first non-talent show signing in six years. Although he was tipped to work as a producer, Cowell signed him as a solo act and has shown this decision to be a good one.
Collaborating with some of the UK’s biggest music talents, such as Tinnie Tempah, Professor Green and Wretch 32, Labrinth’s popularity has escalated not only in the public eye but also in the charts.
His first collaboration was with Tinnie Tempah in 2010, ‘Pass Out’ debuted at number-one in the UK Singles Chart.
Labrinth’s solo work has gone on to similar success with his debut single ‘Let the Sun Shine’ reaching third in the album charts.
His second single and most recognisable of late ‘Earthquake’ debuted at number two in the UK Singles Chart and sold 155,530 copies in the first week.
His debut album ‘Electronic Earth’ released this week features his main singles, Earthquake, Let the Sun Shine and Last Time.
All though these songs have had plenty of air-time on the radio, they still feel as new as the first time they were heard, especially when mixed around his other songs amongst this album.
The opening track ‘Climb On Board’ gets the album off to a flying start, with a beat created by cut-up drums and strafing synth lines. On this album, Labrinth re-releases ‘Express Yourself’ formally of Rap group NWA and American soul artist Charles Wright, adding his own touches that a producer would.
Although Labrinth has collaborated with similar artists such as Wretch 32 and Tinnie Tempah, it’s his other collaboration on this album that stands out. ‘Beneath Your Beautiful’ featuring upcoming female artist Emeli Sande, is a set aside track in the album and shows the vocal strength Labrinth has.
My favourite track from this album has to be ‘Let the Sun Shine’. With summer just around the corner, this is the perfect song for anyone to get in the mood for the ‘Sun Shine’, whether it is summer holidays abroad or even a BBQ in their back garden.
Electric Earthquake is available to buy on iTunes for £7.99, with individual tracks available for 99p – click on the ad below to buy now.