If you have a love for experimental, R&B, and chillwave, then let us formally introduce you to Stumbleine.
With atmospheric sounds and chillout frequencies, Stumbleine is reminiscent of our locally-grown experimental faves ODESZA and Electric Mantis. Stumbleine, based in the UK, is a solo endeavor made up of one man in the pursuit of creative self-expression. His latest album, Things Don’t Sparkle Like They Used To, is ironically the most sparkling set of tunes we’ve heard in its respected genre in quite some time. He creates his musical works of art by using elements new and old, present and past. Most of the tracks are based on hip-hop and trap-style beats, but they are so much more than the tempos give them credit for. The album’s first single, Nicotina, Stumbleine starts with spacey electric guitar riffs, tambourine rolls and wooden tone block hits, giving the intro a calm, atmospheric appeal. It sounds warm, earthy and surreal. A trap-style beat is then added to the mix, along with the timeless vocal samplings of the one and only Whitney Houston.
The vibe is slow but rich; Stumbleine’s music is definitely a smooth shock to the senses.
https://soundcloud.com/stumbleineuk/sets/things-dont-sparkle-like-they
Following suit in experimental quality is the next track, Lon Lon, which has its own intriguing percussion line and instrumental flavor. I Wanna Dance With Somebody includes more Whitney samples, revitalized. The beat is slow but intensified; What was once an upbeat pop anthem of 1987 is now a sensual cry for real love and affection. Any given Stumbleine work of art is deeply moving, thought-provoking, and reflecting. But if you are looking for absolute chills, then listen to the final track, Hold On.
If the vocal sample sounds familiar, its because you probably watched a certain heart-breaking episode of AMC’s The Walking Dead when Beth sings a hopeful, sweet song in the midst of death and turmoil. Stumbleine uses that very song, and created what sounds like instrumental starlit skies over her voice; the sparkle of beauty and hope he made for the song almost allows us to forget the grim moment of the painful episode. Wind chimes, piano keys, shakers and more play a part in the peaceful magnificence of Hold On.
This album, as well as Stumbleine’s entire collection of music, is fresh, eclectic air for the senses, no matter which genre of music you prefer. This is art in audio format, and we welcome Stumbleine as one of our most prized creators and imagineers of our time. This is music that connects to your soul, and sprouts hope and sparks life into the darkest places. This is proof that, once experienced and felt, Things Don’t Sparkle Like They Used To. And Stumbleine is here to preserve and share the spark.
Click here to follow Stumbleine on Soundcloud.
Click here to view and purchase his album, Things Don’t Sparkle Like They Used To, on Bandcamp
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