Review of Philtre Album by Nitin Sawnhey

Nitin Sawnhey

Nitin Sawnhey - Philtre - Album Review

Nitin Sawnhey - Philtre - Album Review
Nitin Sawnhey

Philtre

This album is a right grower! At first listen, the initial two tracks didn’t jump out and grab the jewels as Mr Sawnhey has often done in the past and I’m sure that “What? That’s a bit trip-hoppy, innit?” was a passing under-the-breath comment I may have made. The tracks seemed to pick up further into the album, but as I was then distracted and the sounds became more environmental I didn’t give it its due. However, on my return to this assembly of melodious beats and tones I was enchanted by the first two tracks and it had me. I cranked up the volume and got lost in the thoroughly remarkable journey that is ‘Philtre’.
Track one, ‘Everything’ sung by Jacob Golden has a haunting mantra reminiscent of Portishead's Beth Gibbon. He demonstrates that ability to get into the joints of your wrists with that painful but beautiful vocal style and twist it slightly just to remind you that he was probably crying while singing to achieve the sound.

From here on in, a medley of remarkable guests compliments Nitin’s complex yet spotless production. Tina Grace delivers a performance that is filled with purity, emotion and beauty. ‘Dead man’ has a bluesy Ben Harper-esque style deposited on a balmy Mumbai evening. The rest of the album hurls you from flamenco to drum and bass and back, it just has too much to say about itself for this short space. Overall, Philtre is a big style pie with a good crispy light crust infused with some damn sexy groove gravy.

Like a good film with a twist, it doesn’t need spoiling by me telling you all the juicy bits. All that is left to say is go listen to it yer self and listen well, if at first it doesn’t succeed it will plant a bug in your head to be activated second time round.

http://www.nitinsawhney.com

Paul Smith

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