Released: November 16, 2023

Genre: Electronic / Hip-Hop

From: UK

Why you should listen: The electronic music scene in the North-West of England has been growing and thriving recently. Preston producer Rainy Miller and Manchester duo Space Afrika, who are frequent collaborators, have released an incredible album together titled A Grisaille Wedding. Often atmospheric, ambient, at times dark and abrasive, both Rainy Miller and Space Afrika have made incredibly bold and genre-expanding experiments, making them some of the most innovative voices within the electronic music space. Combining their styles effortlessly on this album, and featuring some of the most exciting artists of this generation, the results are gripping and stunning. The moody, atmospheric tone of “Summon the Spirit / Demon” featuring Voice Actor is incredibly emotive sets the tone for the album beautifully. Mica Levi’s contribution on “Maybe It’s Time to Lay Down the Arms” is mesmerising as well, with submerged vocals and a soundscape that is ambient yet features these striking synth leads that give the track energy. The trip-hop inspired production as the beat comes in is hypnotic, as Rainy Miller’s falsetto is striking too. “00-Down / Murmansk, 12” features some drill-inspired beats as well as an emphatic Rainy Miller vocal performance. “Sweet (I’m Free)” featuring RenzNiro & Iceboy Violet is a dark and abrasive cut, with both contributing emcees with memorable verses that combine the atmospheric yet emotive and beautiful instrumental. “Shelter” is stunning ambience, while “HDIF” featuring bobbieorkid has infectious drumming and a pitched-up vocal performance from bobbieorkid, I assume. The strings on the track are incredible too. “The Graves at Charleroi” with Coby Sey has hypnotic vocals and this beautiful string melody that grows with the tone and atmosphere of the synth leads throughout. The switch into the acoustic guitar rhythms are incredibly poignant, and one of the highlights of the album. “1-2-1” is an atmospheric and reflective cut, oozing raw emotion and beauty, and a monologue on self-love. “Let It Die” is another moody, emotive cut with more incredible Rainy Miller vocals, as he meanders between interwoven synth leads and keys throughout. “I Believe in God, When Things Are Going My Way” is another moody, meandering track with incredible atmospheric and striking synth-heavy productio, as well as a spoken-word vocal contribution from Richie Culver. The guitar leads at the end close the track out beautifully, and make space for the album closer “Bobbies Reprise” featuring bobbieorkid, whose vocal performance is perfect for the energy of the track. Slightly off-kilter through pitched vocals, and a piano and string-led backdrop that is absolutely alluring and magical. It’s a great way to close the album out. A Grisaille Wedding is an emotive and stunning body of work that captures the beauty and aura of both Space Afrika and Rainy Miller’s artistry poignantly. It would have ended up on my end of year list if I paid more attention.

The album: