Veteran British emcee Roots Manuva's new album, Bleeds, can now be streamed ahead of its October 30 release date. Bleeds is Manuva's ninth studio album on Big Dada Records and his first since 2011. The 10-track release includes production from Four Tet and Adrian Sherwood.
Bleeds is anticipated by the singles "Don't Breathe Out" and "Facety 2:11," the latter produced Four Tet, the versatile U.K. electronic producer whose only other recent hip-hop production has been for Atlanta Fool's Gold rapper, Rome Fortune. The album's other previously released single was last month's "Don't Breathe Out." Led by an abrasive vocal sample, "Facety 2:11" is an in-your-face Londoner DJ's tool, whereas the latter is a down-tempo lament with introspective rapping and James Blake-esque backing vocals.
The contrast in the two singles is indicative of the wide array of sounds and influences on the entire album. The South London artist who has long been at the forefront of U.K. hip-hop never enveloped into the grime scene despite sharing a label with many of the genre's top artists. He doesn't let his beats dictate his detailed raps, but he has always worked hard to seek out experimental producers from many different British sub-genres.
On Bleeds, Manuva picks from sonic palettes young and old. He introduces a young producer by the name of Fred, who has a mysterious, bass-driven sound, softening his touch around Manuva's verses. There are also contributions from With You, the new production team of Adrian Sherwood and Switch, two producers instrumental in spreading dub music throughout the underground U.K. club sound.
The album's title refers to "an egocentric daring to do things in the tradition of Jesus: I'm ready to die for the artform," says Manuva.
Stream Bleeds below, and pre-order the album on iTunes before it drops on October 30.
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