Dual EP

Released in 2013 on Young Turks, Dual EP served as the definitive introduction to Sampha Sisay as a solo artist after his work with SBTRKT and Drake. The EP is characterized by its 'bedroom soul' aesthetic, utilizing sparse arrangements that highlight Sampha's distinctive tenor and his rhythmic, often syncopated piano playing. Unlike the more polished neo-soul of the era, Dual leans into experimental textures, incorporating elements of post-dubstep and glitchy electronica that reflect the South London scene of the early 2010s. The tracks Beneath the Tree and Can't Get Close became foundational pieces of his catalog, showcasing a lyrical preoccupation with distance, family, and internal struggle. Critically, the EP was praised for its 'unbearable intimacy' and established Sampha as a leading figure in the 'alt-R&B' movement, despite the music's closer ties to traditional singer-songwriter structures.