Eric Hilton, the legendary figure in downtempo and trip-hop, is set to release his latest masterpiece, "Sound Vagabond," on February 23 through his label, Montserrat House Music. A pioneer in the genre, Hilton's influence is palpable in the 14-track album, each a sonic postcard capturing the essence of real and imagined places.
The album's dynamic contrasts shine through in singles like "Midnight Milan," "Closer," and "Poppy Fields," available for pre-order as limited edition 7” colored vinyl releases, each featuring an exclusive unreleased B-side. Hilton's approach to sound design, characterized by ingenious sampling, moody synths, and psychedelic lo-fi, has earned him praise from EDM.com, American Songwriter, Magnetic Magazine, and Relix.
Hilton's analog approach creates a lush sonic environment that defies trends, as showcased in his previous chart-topping LP, "Corazón Kintsugi." With "Sound Vagabond," he takes listeners on a journey through diverse landscapes, drawing inspiration from global experiences. The title track, "Sound Vagabond," weaves a vintage trip-hop groove with flutes and Northern African flavors, showcasing Hilton's unique musical fingerprint.
The destinations explored on this sonic travelogue are as varied as the inspirations behind them. From the Latin vibes of "Cerro Allegre" inspired by Valparaíso, Chile, to the breathy, space-age bachelor pad jaunt of "The Violet Hour" reminiscent of a Chicago cocktail bar, Hilton's musical storytelling is unparalleled.
Two standout tracks, "The Mirror Inside" and "The Grand Intro," delve into self-reflection. Hilton describes them as more self-focused, exploring the experience of turning things back on oneself and exuding swagger and élan with a laid-back vibe. Sampling plays a crucial role in Hilton's music, and for "Sound Vagabond," he delves into public domain sample libraries, creating a sound collage with a perfect blend of 60% samples and 40% live instruments.
The album's closer, "Lumi," feels like the beginning of a long journey home, encapsulating the essence of "Sound Vagabond" and leaving a lasting impression. Eric Hilton's musical passport is stamped, and fans are eagerly awaiting this transcendent voyage into the world of downtempo and trip-hop.