Tricky’s status as a key figure in electronic music is indisputable, with classics like Maxinquaye and Pre-Millennium Tension in his discography, not to mention his work with Massive Attack. He has continued to follow his own muse since that buzzy 1990s period, adding layers to the glacial and grimy beats he is most known for. He has also been remarkably prolific since that heyday, releasing new albums at a steady clip and lending the attention his name garners to up-and-coming acts.
Different When It’s Silent isn’t exactly a return to form, although it does share some sonic hallmarks with Tricky‘s most beloved records. Truth be told, a quick trip through his 2000s output reveals that he’s been around all this time, continuing to find new ways to tweak his patented sound.
What sets Different When It’s Silent apart is that it has more of a singer-songwriter vibe, with more guitar-centered tracks. His main collaborator on this record is Mitch Sanders, whose solo work is more shoegaze-lite than trip hop. Their signature sounds gel better than it might sound on paper. “I Still See Me There” is a haunted track centered around acoustic guitar and spooky vocals. From there, “I’m Yours” is even closer to indie rock. This makes for a strong start.
“Because I Don’t Know” is one of the most successful blends of their sounds, a melancholy, soulful track. “Be Still in the Pain” sounds like classic Tricky, delivering that menacing thrill of his best work. His signature growl drives the song, which is elevated even further by a guest verse from Run Red Rambo and a pretty hook from Sanders. “Marinade” is a beautiful track that builds to a simple beat haunted by strings that made me think of Tracy Chapman‘s “Fast Car” a bit. “So Cold” is a lovely, melancholy track with a beat that sounds like a cousin to the Postal Service, but instead of Ben Gibbard and Jenny Lewis making wistful eyes at each other, Sanders and Tricky join up for a wistful, longing love song.
If there’s one thing that is lacking here, it’s Tricky himself. He has always shown a generosity toward other artists, from his early collaborations with Martina Topley-Bird to PJ Harvey’s mournful guest vocal on Angels with Dirty Faces highlight “Broken Homes” to his more recent work with Marta on her album Out the Way. His signature growl isn’t as present as I wanted it to be. With a record that recalls and expands upon his classic releases, it would have been nice to have him more out front. As evidence, closer “Out of Place” is easily one of the best songs, a propulsive, emotional track with an insistent beat. Tricky and Marta share vocals, and it recalls some of the most inspired collaborations with Topley-Bird.
Different When It’s Silent is an intriguing listen, showing that Tricky is still aces at selecting collaborators and capable of delivering a compelling left turn. His restlessness as a creative force has served him well over the past three decades, and it is clear that he is not done reinventing himself in rewarding ways. Next time, I hope he finds more room for his signature rasp, because it sounds as hypnotic as ever.