STICKY BLOOD return after an array of quality music in 2015 that turned the heads of the major music tastemakers. The Blood is Stickier Than Water E.P, written and recorded at the Red Bull Studios, featured One Bar In ft. MC’s Coco & Snowy and Balance, which put the production duo on the map garnering support from Monki, Toddla T, Mistajam, Jamz Supernova, Complex, Clash and excitement through the indie music scene.
Following hot on its heels and showing exactly why they’re in such high demand with artists waiting to work with them, Sticky Blood dropped the infectious Valium featuring singer Gaby Henshaw.
The title Valium is used by the production duo as a metaphor to show the desire to be asleep where you can experience something away from reality and where things are unassuming. Like the description, the production follows its movement; it develops and builds as the tracks deepens with punchy club style drums mixed with anthemic style synths in the build-ups, and contemporary sounds in the drop and switch. It’s confident in its sound, and in the second part we see saturated bass and stuttered patterns. The twists and turns in their production style constantly surprise and highlight their diversity and intricacy.
The cinematic visuals match the portrayal from the lyrics and the beat with Gaby Henshaw depicting a girl up in the hills away from everything, but searching for something. It’s very much open to interpretation as to where, why and how, but shows desperation, and leaves the viewer considering and asking all types of questions.
Andy Nicholson and Jamie Shield have created a striking and unique sound that can move people emotionally working with established singers such as Terri Walker and Tom Prior, but also create Grime tracks at a 155bpm with up and coming MCs. They are fresh and innovative and continue to bring an exciting, rule-breaking sound to 2016.