Dutch producer Martyn has never been one to prescribe himself to any particular genre. His earlier efforts saw him lean toward the ominous basslines borrowed from UK bass, followed by successful dabbling in house, techno and electronica. What’s in a name, indeed.

The Air Between Words shows even more impressive progression from an effortless musical chameleon. Ever the innovator, Martyn’s third LP is a sonically rewarding effort – if occasionally an exhausting one.

Tracks such as ‘Two Leads And A Computer’ are about as stripped back as you can go. Analogue drums and a gentle synth melody mean that the song title may well be a literal reference to the production. The album oscillates between tight, on-point production geared toward the dancefloor and what seems to be freestyle noodling in the studio. ‘Forgiveness Step 2’ harks back to a bassier past, but it only serves as testament to a producer with an ear to the ground and firm belief in his roots. Elsewhere, cuts like ‘Glassbeadgames’ are purely addictive listening.

Martyn has tapped into a whole other level of sounds and moods for this record, but a lack of consistency between those sounds and moods can make for disjointed listening.

3/5.

The Air Between Wordsis out now through Ninja Tune/Inertia.

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