Da Subwayz Selectionz: Subwayz Selectionz 2014 1 Andy Stott

My Top 30 Albums of 2014

1. Andy Stott: Faith In Strangers (Modern Love)

Tracklisting

Time Away
Violence
On Oath
Science & Industry
No Surrender
How It Was
Damage
Faith In Strangers
Missing

One of my favourite albums of 2012 was Luxury Problems by Andy Stott, which was an accomplished album in it's own right. I wondered how Andy Stott might possibly follow an album of such quality. The answer came in November, when Faith In Strangers was released on the Modern Love imprint. Faith In Strangers is a worthy successor to the legacy of Luxury Problems. It steps up a gear and increases in intensity, but is restrained when needed. It's dark and overpowering with moments of sonorous growling, but has moments of calm and serenity. Alison Skidmore supplies vocals, which enhances to the ethereal nature of the composition.

What I like about Faith In Strangers is it's distinctiveness. Andy Stott isn't afraid to experiment, In the many times when it is loud, it sounds epic, and when there are those sedate moments it sounds like the calm before the storm. The emotion is palpable and the genius is in Andy Stott's ability to create atmosphere throughout the album. All these ideas are moot if they aren't executed with precision, and Faith In Strangers is a success because of the culmination of these factors.

Faith In Strangers is my number one album of the year, It was a difficult decision, there was a lot of strong competition this year, however I think it's a worthy winner.

My Standout Track: Violence