Music/News: 09 Aug 2017
Kiera Magnetti

Tricky announces new album Ununiform

Tricky returns with his 13th album, Ununiform, which is due for release September 22.

The album will be a storming, intricate piece that sees Tricky take perhaps his most radical step yet – a journey into happiness and contentment. The legendary Bristolian confronts his legacy, history, family, and even death itself. In all of this, he finds the least familiar thing– peace.

Ununiform was conceived in Moscow and completed in Berlin, where Tricky has been living for the past three years – not lavishly, but instead leading a clean, reflective life. “I don’t know anybody. I eat good food. I go for walks," he says.

Testament to the producer's dynamism, Ununiform sees him further work with up and coming singers as well as collaborators of the past.

‘When We Die’ features Martina Topley-Bird, who first made an appearance on Tricky’s 1995 debut album, Maxinquaye – released a month before the pair’s daughter was born. They haven’t collaborated on one another’s output in almost fifteen years.

When We Die’ sees Tricky take hold of a new zest for life he has come to possess. “If you don’t accept death you don’t really accept life,” says Tricky.

Among Ununiform's other collaborators are some of Russia’s most famous rappers such as Scriptonite, Vasily Vakulenko (Basta) and Smokey Mo.

Ununiform also sees Tricky rekindle working relationships with the likes of Francesca Belmonte and Asia Argento, and flip expectations further with a cover of Hole’s 1994 single ‘Doll Parts’ performed by emerging talent, Avalon Lurks. Meanwhile album highlight 'Running Wild' features vocals from Mina Rose, who will also be joining Tricky’s touring party this year.

Interestingly, the effect of his new-found outlook, freedom and lifestyle has led to Tricky turning back to his classic sound – perhaps the final frontier for such an inveterate experimentalist.

“I've got nothing to prove now, and I'm comfortable with referencing myself,” he tells us.

Indeed, he’s since described his last single ‘The Only Way’ as “'Hell Is Round The Corner, Part 2'”.

The first album that Tricky has released as a truly independent artist free from the pressure of debt and destruction, Ununiform is a glorious and intensely personal attempt to answer the simple question “What does Tricky sound like?”

Ununiform tracklist:

1. Obia Intro

2. Same As It Ever Was (feat. Scriptonite)

3. New Stole (feat. Francesca Belmonte)

4. Wait For Signal (feat. Asia Argento)

5. It’s Your Day (feat. Scriptonite)

6. Blood Of My Blood (feat. Scriptonite)

7. Dark Days (feat. Mina Rose)

8. The Only Way

9. Armor (feat. Terra Lopez of Rituals of Mine)

10. Doll (feat. Avalon Lurks)

11. Bang Boogie (feat. Smoky Mo & Scriptonite)

12. Running Wild (feat. Mina Rose)

13. When We Die (feat. Martina Topley-Bird)