JON HOPKINS // 'EMERALD RUSH' - SINGLE REVIEW

ACCLAIMED ELECTRONIC MUSICIAN ANNOUNCES FIFTH ALBUM 'SINGULARITY', PREMIERES LEAD SINGLE 'EMERALD RUSH'

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COVER ART FOR JON HOPKINS - SINGULARITY

★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Despite being one of the more elusive names in electronic music, most listeners of the genre would have heard Jon Hopkins' work in some capacity. The classically-trained pianist and producer broke into the industry with his 1999 debut album Opalescent - written after a period of touring with Imogen Heap - and has worked with artists such as King Creosote, Brian Eno, London Grammar and perhaps most notably Coldplay, on their track 'Midnight' from the 2014 album Ghost Stories. Hopkins has also remixed the likes of Four Tet, Purity Ring and Moderat, incorporating elements of techno, post-rock and ambient music within his own unique production style.

'Emerald Rush' is taken from Hopkins' upcoming album Singularity, his fifth album as a solo musician and the long-awaited follow-up to the Mercury Prize-nominated Immunity. Indeed the track feels like a sequel to 'We Disappear' from that album: the subtle ambiences and atmospherics are contrasted by pounding distorted synths; organic percussive hits punching through the soundscapes with absolute precision and clarity. The three minute organic techno onslaught both attacks and soothes the listener, putting them in Hopkins' own unique space of emotionally woven textures and atmospherics. The sound design is immaculately aggressive, with a hint of renaissance-like elegance and grandeur amongst the instrumentation.

For fans of Jon Hopkins, 'Emerald Rush' certainly does not disappoint and serves as a great teaser for what else Hopkins' has in store for us. In addition to Singularity, Jon Hopkins has also announced an extensive live tour for Autumn 2018, including a headline show at London's Brixton Academy on November 2nd.

Jon Hopkins - Singularity will be out May 4th on Domino Records. Stream 'Emerald Rush' below:

REVIEW BY: THE MODERN RECORD