Jon Hopkins - "Singularity" Review

(Domino 2018)

“A mind meltingly great night out that hopefully leaves you on a good come down,” were the words of Jon Hopkins, when reflecting on his 2013 album, Immunity.

We find Hopkins treading similar territory on his latest release, Singularity. Combining the introspect with the retrospect, this time pushing the parameters a little further. “Desert treks, controlled breathing and freezing baths,” is how he best described it.

We will delve into all of the above, more deeply, in a bit; but firstly I would like to provide some background into what inspired this review; with a little more about the man himself.

I have vivid memories of where I heard Jon Hopkins for the first time. It was arriving home at 4am on a hot midsummers' evening back in 2015 after a friend’s birthday party in East London. Still on a high from the events that occurred that night, I started exploring the Internet for new music. I stumbled upon this rather curious but captivating piece of imagery: that I would quickly learn was the front cover of Hopkins' 2013 (Mercury Prize Nominated) album, Immunity. I clicked on the first track my fingers gravitated towards, which was a piece called “Abandon Window.” I remember a very melancholic and meditative piano loop that was so simplistic in its delivery, but simultaneously had such purity and depth to it. The experience had a spiritual and profound effect on me; it stopped me in my tracks, and was the perfect piece of music to end my evening with.

From then on I decided to put Jon Hopkins under my microscope. It turns out he has done quite a lot…

Before Hopkins' major breakthrough with Immunity he had embarked on some rather impressive collaborations, starting his career as a touring keyboard player for electronic artist, Imogen Heap. He was then invited into the studio by long term friend Brian Eno, to co-produce and write additional ideas on Coldplay’s 2008 album, Viva La Vida. Alongside this he had also produced King Creosote's 2011 album, Diamond Mine; and conducted remixes for Berlin based electronic artist, Apparat. He had previously focused his attention more on mastering the art of being a production chameleon. This wealth of studio experience provided him with the confidence and tools necessary to forge his own path as a solo artist.

This is clearly illustrated on Hopkins latest release, Singularity: an immersive and intelligent piece of art. Pitched somewhere between a space continuum and a world of nature, the album leads you on a continual voyage of discovery. The scope and ambition of the 9 track album is undeniable, all of which is on display in the opening title track, "Singularity." The track begins with one singular note, on a synthesizer, that swiftly morphs into orchestral strings and distorted guitars: spinning you into a sonic landscape like no other. "Singularity" is followed by the album’s lead single “Emerald Rush,” a euphoric and deeply imaginative exploration of the human mind and soul. Its slightly distorted, retro-synth-driven arpeggio gives you a celestial thrill as it gradually builds and takes hold of you.

My personal favourites are the beat-driven, “Neon Drum Pattern,” which suggests inspiration through Hopkins' past collaboration with electronic artist, Bonobo. The track has a very hypnotic, almost trip-hop vibe, with a pulsating kick drum rhythm that Hopkins explains to be, “made up of 5 different kick drum sounds."

The halfway point of the album brings you to the dream-like piano ballad, “Feel First Life.” A beautiful, shimmering, meditative trip that sparks your visual cortex as the piece unfolds. The influence of Brian Eno is predominant here: with its minimalistic, introspective approach that slowly creeps up on you, inevitably forcing you to surrender and lose all your inhibitions.

Singularity is an electronic beat music odyssey that is designed as a slow burner for its listener. On first listen it roots so deeply in your consciousness that you just have to repeat the process all over again. It is through this experience that you realise what is so incredible about Singularity.

Reviewed by Jamie Goff 17/08/2018