Rediscovering James Holden’s Masterpiece: The Inheritors Reissued on Vinyl
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James Holden’s 2013 album The Inheritors returns with a reissue that breathes new life into this seminal work, now available on vinyl for the first time in seven years. Known for pushing the boundaries of electronic music, Holden crafted The Inheritors as a sonic journey that delves deep into experimental territories while maintaining a delicate balance between chaotic soundscapes and transformative melodic experiences. This reissue not only celebrates the album’s legacy but also reintroduces it to a new generation of listeners who may have missed its original release.
Holden’s career trajectory has been marked by his evolution from a DJ and producer to a live performer and bandleader, a transition that began in earnest with The Inheritors. While his debut album, The Idiots Are Winning, garnered attention for its innovative electronic compositions, The Inheritors took a bold step further, blending pastoral beauty with harsh rhythmic elements to create a truly unique sound. The album’s complexity and depth earned it critical acclaim, including being named Album of the Year by Resident Advisor and making it onto year-end lists from outlets like The Quietus and The Wire.
The reissue of The Inheritors is not just a nod to Holden’s past achievements but also a reflection of his ongoing influence in the electronic music scene. The album marked a significant shift in Holden’s artistic vision, moving away from the purely electronic sounds of his earlier work to incorporate live instrumentation and a more organic, almost tribal, feel. This period also saw Holden collaborating with various artists, including Moroccan Gnawa musician Mahmoud Guinia, whose influence can be felt throughout the album. This collaborative spirit continued in subsequent releases, such as The Animal Spirits and the Marhaba EP, which further expanded Holden’s musical palette.
For fans of artists like Jon Hopkins and Four Tet, The Inheritors represents a pivotal moment in electronic music, where the lines between genres blur, and the focus shifts to creating immersive, transformative experiences. The album’s reissue on vinyl is a testament to its enduring appeal and the continued relevance of Holden’s work. As listeners dive back into the intricate layers of The Inheritors, they are reminded of the album’s place in the pantheon of electronic music masterpieces, standing alongside other groundbreaking works in the genre.
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