(Simple/Inertia)

Hailing from the UK, DJ, producer and Simple Records founder ‘Will Saul’ has spent the last eight months burrowed down in his studio with many a fine collaborator, the result, an impressive debut artist album titled ‘Space Between’.

Written during the breakdown of a long-term relationship, ‘Space Between’ is a sincerely tender album that draws on many musical influences. It was co-produced by Ninja Tune’s ‘Fink’ and Precision Cuts ‘Tam Cooper’, with vocal credits going to Ursula Rucker, Sandi Mill and Lizzy Parks, and despite the large role these collaborators played, the album is still very much a personal affair. Saul does wear his heart on his sleeve but overall things seem optimistic and hopeful.

Gathering and working sounds from many sources, including the flute, trumpet, organ, African drums, guitar, tape players and analogue mixing desks, ‘Space Between’ is just that, a vast array of music and all that falls between it. The overall feel is a deeply chilled style of lazily paced electronica with dub and reggae playing a lead role, namely ‘Copicat’ ‘Tic Toc’ and ‘Animal Magic’. Drama and moments of thoughtful intensity arise with the stunning opening and closing tracks ‘If Only’ and ‘Speak A Spell’. The art of the Ninja comes to life in ‘Soul In Motion’, whilst ‘Mbira’, ‘Heatwave’ and ‘Where Is It’ are well crafted pieces of serene digitalia.

Not a man to stay in one place for too long, Will Saul has explored much territory here in a highly original and captivating way. To get the absolute most from this album, a decent pair of headphones is recommended. Excellent.