With support from the likes of Gilles Peterson and KUTMAH already in their favour, Belgian experimental collective STUFF. unleash their eponymous debut album in the UK on 18th September via buteo buteo.
The Belgium-based five-piece are a renowned live entity, who masterfully cross the border between broken hip-hop and jazz-influenced funk. Since forming back in 2012, the group have secured high profile support slots for the likes of D’Angelo and legendary jazz pianist Robert Glasper, alongside recording live remixes for Jungle and Little Dragon as part of their residence at Belgium’s most famous concert hall, Ancienne Belgique.
‘STUFF.’, which was mastered by Daddy Kev (Flying Lotus, Thundercat, Jon Wayne), features nine hip-hop-influenced instrumental cuts of chopped drums and syncopated rhythms. Opening track and lead single ‘Event Horizon’ begins with warped synths and wavy melodies, before erupting into unparalleled free-form jazz. Staying true to form, the track is laced with ambient electronic womps and rhythms: a signature element of the STUFF. makeup.
‘Skywalker’ follows suit with expanding atmospheric textures, yet has a more contemparory feel, with articulated snare hits laying the foundations. ‘STUFF.’ emcompasses all elements of the band’s sound throughout, from the smooth jazz tones in the outro of ‘Sifa’ and wonky hip-hop of ‘Java’, to the downtempo grooves of ‘Caves’.
The album is accompanied by intricate charcoal artwork from renowned Belgian artist Rinus Van de Velde.
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