Over the past few years, South London alchemist Sam Akpro has become one of the brightest talents in the thriving UK alternative scene. Hailing from Peckham, he incorporates elements of post-punk, no wave, dub, jazz and trip-hop, fueled by a fascinating range of influences (from Joy Division to SAULT, through Miles Davis, Talking Heads, Cocteau Twins, Dean Blunt, Fela Kuti and Frank Ocean).
He now returns with a debut album, Evenfall, that’s rich in world-building, cultivating a dusky metropolis that never sleeps, where streams of late-night traffic rush past static underpasses. Evenfall‘s ten tracks – which include the previously released singles ‘Chicago Town‘ and BBC 6 Music A-List staple ‘Death By Entertainment‘ – craft an immersive sonic world, rich in mood and atmosphere – a flowing tapestry of South London noir that’s serrated yet dream-like, psychedelic yet pounding with intent.
Featuring a multi-faceted backing band – Cameron Jacobs (guitar), Joshua Lee (guitar), Luke Chin-Joseph (bass), Kyle Creaton (drums) and Taylor Devenny (sampler, keys) – and co-produced by Akpro and frequent collaborator Shrink, Evenfall pulls all genres into its orbit. From the post-punk-laced immediacy of ‘Death By Entertainment’ to the woozy swagger and shout-along choruses of ‘Chicago Town’, from the dub-infused stomp of ‘City Sleeps‘ to future pit-starter ‘Tunnel Vision‘, this is music for a genreless future where ambiance is king. As influenced by Sonic Youth as it is by J Dilla, Evenfall is an arresting document of the friendships and communities forged while growing up skating the streets of London.
Over a string of acclaimed EPs and singles in recent years that have drawn inspiration from rock to jazz to dub and reggae, Akpro has garnered praise and support at press from the likes of The Line of Best Fit, The Fader, DIY, The Times, So Young, NME, DMY, Clash, Notion, Wonderland and The Face, who named him one of their 7 Names You Need To Know This Summer in 2024. Radio support, meanwhile, has come from some of the biggest names on UK airwaves including BBC 6 Music‘s Mary Anne Hobbs and BBC Radio 1‘s Jack Saunders. Live, Akpro and his band have built a devoted following for a stage show that’s as incendiary as it is intimate, featuring at festivals including Green Man, Pitchfork Paris, Outbreak, Left of the Dial, Reeperbahn and more.
Poet and musician James Massiah offers a piece of prose as an accompaniment for diving into the world of Evenfall:
Another spliff built. Heard it’s all gone west. Strapped it and lit. Sat back and took a hit. Play the record. Be you sane or wild. These are not normal times. Baby going sober. Brother going insane. Wish he could be like Cherry. Still. Listen. Even if you can’t be. Back on the road. Fully in motion. Mission mode. Just promise me you won’t waste another day. Never lose your life again. Never take another one. Never waste another day. Play the record. Take the journey south. Cut a corner here if you have to. Just be sure to make the journey. There’s no other option than to get it done. Fully immersed. You’ll be back at your door in no time. Play the record on the way. Or play it once you’re back there. Whenever your conscience is ready to face the truth. Another drink split. Another walk to the off-license. No more arguments with loved one’s. For Christ’s sake. Take a second. Don’t just sit in front of another screen. Especially knowing you’ve still got unsettled scores. Unresolved traumas. That’s the story of the day. Here’s the story of the night. Up for all of it. Right till the sun rises. We played the record. Listened to it through and through. Forwards and backwards again. Not quit in a straight line. Got to the matter at hand though. Worked through a thing or two. Done a few things. We were all together. From the start to the end. I think it’s better that way. No two-faced business. No backbiting or backstabbing. Backsliding boards are ok. We must suppose. Everything else is looking up. Everyone is hooking up again and getting back to what it was like when it was alright again. Long time no see friend. Come around. Listen to this record. I know what you’re thinking. I fully agree. This will take us through this wild time. This will still be the soundtrack on those sunny days. Still hearing it. Sat tight. Cold nights. Running riot. Sipping something strong. Nothing long. Fresh as Daisy. Felt like fresh hell but it’s fine now. Or it’s not but. At least we’re getting it done. Play the song. ANTI.
