Albums
December: 18 albums you need to hear this month
Andrew Weatherall, Solange, Roman Flügel and more
Cristoph '8-Track' (Knee Deep In Sound)
Cristoph’s debut, the first from Hot Since 82’s ‘8-Track’ series, is definitely one of 2016’s finest. Best enjoyed as a continuous mix, it’s a consistent, hypnotic indication of the Newcastle producer’s intricately crafted, journeying DJ sets. ‘Closer’ sets the pace lightly, with dreamy, twinkling keys and a smooth vocal from Jinadu. ‘Rapture’, ‘Alone’ and ‘The Enemy Within’ all build momentum steadily: blending emotive, melodic house with darkening techno throbs taking the dancefloor towards 3AM. The trippy vocal loop and piano stabs of ‘Supreme Solace’ are tailor-made for the sunrise before the skilfully built-up ‘Perplexity’ becomes a monstrous highlight. Ben Jolley
9/10
