- As the title of his latest album suggests, Montreal-based producer Scott Monteith has been honing his skills and his sound on the road, taking the time to view the new world hinted at in his previous outing ‘New World Observer’, while arriving in the present a changed man full of experience and a new sound. ‘Journeyman’s Annual’ chronicles this voyage and maps the destination, and it’s nothing short of seminal. Clearly Monteith has taken heed in his travels of what makes the floor shake as much as what makes it think, giving plenty of room for both, while sequencing and dubbing his tracks into what is almost a mix. Yet there’s surprise and a depth of influence all the way, and amazingly, a perpetual flux of pressure and texture that is breathless. Take the opening two tracks. They continue on from the ‘New World…’ point of departure with a slower, tidal, minimal ambience, assisted in the opener by Sophie Trudeau’s (A Silver Mt Zion) violin before launching off into a more physical terrain. Distinct places are acknowledged (Paris, Melbourne and especially the refrain of ‘Gimme a Little Slack’) whereas many vocal parts were recorded live in different locations, including those of Bubbz (Bristol), Jah Cutta (Montreal) and the return of Moral Undulations. The inclusion of the rare remix of Saul Williams ‘Black Stacey’ is also more than welcome as well as seamlessly integrating into the whole. The overall atmosphere is one of digital dub reggae and urgent urbanism. Weaving in and out of the album is thus a sense of unrest, of politics, protest, passion and raucous musical internationalism without distinct frontiers. Yet this isn’t a Rhythm and Sound homage, but a personal statement. Its a wry challenge that requires a change of place to gain a sense of location, of self and a greater perspective of the senses. Great at a volume and easily listenable as a whole, this in one to help you lose yourself on the road. Stay hungry.
Tracklist1. Lost Luggage
2. Melbourne Round Midnight
3. Night Train to Paris
4. Refund Me
5. Where Has My Love Gone
6. Deep in Country
7. Turbulence
8. Gimme a Little Slack
9. Gimme a Little Dub
10. Loneliness and Revelry
11. Black Stacey [DeAdbeat Remix]