Dark Matter
Moses Boyd · 2020
50 min · 10 tracks
A vibrant fusion of jazz, electronic, and rhythmic textures that invites listeners into a deeply immersive soundscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Stranger Than Fiction — Opening the album with complex rhythms and rich instrumentation, this track establishes the unique sonic landscape that defines Dark Matter.
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B.T.B. — This track showcases Boyd's ability to merge intricate jazz elements with modern production techniques, creating a captivating auditory experience.
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What Now? — Closing the album with an expansive eight-minute journey, this track encapsulates Boyd's explorative nature while inviting introspection through its layered sounds.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Dark Matter showcases ambitious production and rhythmic complexity, marking a significant entry in contemporary jazz.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a dynamic track that layers intricate drum patterns over melodic synth lines, setting a vibrant tone.
- Several tracks feature abrupt transitions, such as 'Hard Food' which serves as a brief interlude that shifts the mood before returning to full instrumentation.
- The use of polyrhythms is prevalent throughout, particularly in 'Dancing in the Dark', creating a complex rhythmic texture that invites active listening.
- The final track, 'What Now?', concludes with a gradual fade-out of sound, leaving an open-ended feeling that encourages reflection.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- immersive late-night exploration
- vibrant rhythms for dancing
- thoughtful interludes enhancing flow
- cathartic moments of reflection
- engaging soundscapes for focus
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- want immediate, catchy hooks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on February 14, 2020, Dark Matter is Moses Boyd's debut studio album following his acclaimed EPs which established him as a prominent figure in the UK jazz scene. At this point in his career, Boyd was gaining recognition for his innovative blend of genres and collaborations with various artists, setting the stage for broader acclaim.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kamaal Williams· Yussef Dayes· Tom Misch
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Dancing in the Dark
The moment shifts from intimate reflections to a more universal exploration of connection and isolation through dynamic vocal interplay.
This transition highlights Boyd’s lyrical depth by moving from personal introspection to collective experiences amid contrasting musical layers.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Stranger Than Fiction 4:55
- 2 Hard Food (interlude) 0:59
- 3 B.T.B. 6:00
- 4 Y.O.Y.O. 5:30
- 5 Shades of You 4:20
- 6 Dancing in the Dark 4:47
- 7 Only You 4:46
- 8 2 Far Gone 5:43
- 9 Nommos Descent 4:36
- 10 What Now? 8:40
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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