CD reviews: Archy Marshall

The fact Londoner Archy Marshall is a fan of hardcore ’90s New York hip-hop might not be immediately obvious in A New Place To Drown, yet within the darkness of his lyrical approach and his meticulous attention to detail, both of which build to an almost oppressive sonic fog, he does offer an intriguing bridge across genres.

Having released music under various guises, Marshall prefers to partly submerge his voice; thus it becomes another texture as opposed to any highlight, joining the blips, beeps and bass-heavy beats that have more than enough twists to reward the patient listener.

• Archy Marshall. A New Place To Drown. XL/True Panther.

• Three stars (out of five)

Single download: Ammi Ammi (feat. Jamie Isaac)
For those who like: Massive Attack without the joy

— Shane Gilchrist