Skream is back with 'Skreamizm Vol. 8'
It has been 10 years since the previous installation of Oliver Jones' revered release series
Skream has this week shared his much-anticipated 'Skreamizm Vol.8'.
10 years on from the previous instalment of Skreamizm, the record illustrates the evolution in the DJ and producer's artistry, meandering through sounds of house, techno, grime and dubstep.
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It combines a variety of cross-genre influence to capture his current-day sonic palette as Skream, this instalment firmly rooted in UK electronic music culture. Emotionally driven, all from joy and euphoria to senses of loss and grief can be identified across its 11 tracks.
Perhaps embodying this variety is the record's kaleidoscopic artwork, designed by friend and collaborator INSA. “Joe is a hero of mine and the artwork he’s delivered for each single and the overall final piece for 'Skreamizm Vol. 8' is something else”, Skream explains. “He’s captured the stories and the theme of it perfectly.”
Across the records, multiple vocalists feature; Trim delivers a laid-back affair on 'Funky Sailor', bringing together elements of UK funky and grime, whilst Bklava offers vocals on 'Wierd Minimal', which Skream himself dotes as easily identifiable with his 2003 productions with its drums and familiar dubstep injection.
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Lagoon Wavey features silky vocals on 'Your Love', combining acid, grime and jungle techno, following a jaunty linkup with Leeds' Prospa on breaks-fuelled 'Waiheke Island'.
Skream also pays tribute to close friend Jamie Roy on the new record, both through 'Not Ready Yet' and 'Roy The Boy'. He refers to the latter as "a final nod to a last friend", with both cuts showing the artist at his most vulnerable, poignantly channelling his raw emotions.
'Skreamizm Vol.8' is available now, check it out here.
Niamh Ingram is Mixmag's Weekend Editor, follow her on Twitter