Werkha hails from Manchester originally and released his debut EP back in 2012. Following early praise from Gilles Peterson and the like, he we went on to release a series of records for Brighton-imprint Tru Thoughts, including an album in 2015, 'Colours Of A Red Brick Raft', and co-writing / producing Bryony Jarman-Pinto's debut album in 2019. He's provided remixes for Quantic, Marcos Valles, Dutch Uncles, Andrew Ashong & J-Felix, toured across Europe with Bonobo, Mr Scruff & Chet Faker and is working with poet / singer Keisha Thompson, additionally to composing music for documentaries.
So to the EP, and we set off with the delectable synth-boogie of 'Generation X', laden with strings from Simran Singh. Next up is the 4/4 low-slung head-nodding funk of 'The Key' featuring the vocal talents of Berry Blacc, before we head into some mid-tempo clavinet-lead hip hop vibes on 'Swing Thru'; lush strings again ably complementing and contrasting the bass-weight within the track. 'In Sunny G' follows next, picking the tempo back up a touch with a soulful vocal hook from Ellen Beth Abdi delivering blissed-out sun-glazed sonics, as the title would suggest. This 5-track opus closes out with 'Favourite Corner'; similarly to the EP opener, this is more playfully groovy breakbeat, laced with strings, a swagged-out guitar lick and assorted arpeggiated keys.
As to the meaning of the title 'The Rigour', Werkha says…
"Music is work. In all its different ways, it's a craft that I apply myself to and exist by. As much as that is about love, it's also about pouring in time, effort, patience & rigour. This record is about reflecting on my process and the identity of Werkha as a part of my life."
"These tracks were selected from a much larger bunch of ideas.
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