UK artist Scarper is stepping back into the ring with 'Off-Cuts (2014-2021)', a hand-picked eight-track compilation of previously unreleased material, out 25 September via Plexus Records. The release digs into his studio archives and puts a spotlight on productions from the 'Warmer Squares' and 'E-Funk' era that never quite made it out at the time.
His debut album ‘Warmer Squares’ earned widespread critical acclaim across UK electronic press, alongside radio spins on Rinse FM, Sub FM and BBC 6 Music. Prior support has come from the likes of Orbital, Laurent Garnier and Carl Craig. His 2020 single ‘E-Funk’ became a certified dancefloor burner at the time and is currently enjoying a resurgence, helped in part by a new imprint giving the track a physical release.
Musically, ‘Off-Cuts (2014-2021)’ covers a lot of ground for an eight-track set. It opens with the epic and emotive chords of ‘Skynet’, moves through the playful acid squelches of ‘Steppe’, and lands on the gorgeous string arrangements of ‘Halocline’. Together, the collection reads as a proper retrospective of ideas and demos from a productive stretch of Scarper’s career, curated with genuine care rather than tossed together as archive filler.
Speaking about the compilation, Scarper said: “I realised I had quite a few demos, jams and ideas on my laptop from that period, some of which were decent enough to polish up and get out into the world. It’s a snapshot of where I was musically at the time, so I thought I’d package them together as a retrospective rather than a proper release, giving people something to enjoy while I crack on with the next project.”
Hailed as a true indie artist, releasing almost exclusively on his own label, Plexus Records, Steve ‘Scarper’ Young is unbound by a singular genre and is as comfortable turning out beautiful melodic pieces as he is underground bangers. His wide-ranging influences collide in a marriage of classic sounds and contemporary styles, continuing to amass support from some of the most respected names in electronic music.
‘Off-Cuts (2014-2021)’ is scheduled for release on 25 September via Plexus Records. Stay locked to Scarper‘s official Bandcamp page for the drop.
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