TRACES

With FKA Twigs currently the front runner in the race for this year’s Mercury Music Prize, and the likes of Generator’s own Lulu James making waves in music press, it seems like a great time to be producing intelligent R&B in the UK. The latest band to cause a stir are the electronic duo Traces, who have remained relatively enigmatic so far, choosing to home their craft at the base in Guildford.

The fruits of this have been two mesmerising tracks, the latest of which ‘Obstacles’, is a beautiful song that melds a cornucopia of electronic beats, with some beautiful live arrangements to create a melancholic masterpiece, perfect for those introspective autumnal days. The detail is in the design however, and repeated listening to ‘Obstacles’ reveals more and more delicate touches that make the whole piece so rewarding, and it’s those moments that set Traces apart from their peers as a duo to keep a keen eye on.

Words by David McDonald

Tipped by Tom Cotton