About this album
Where they were
Released in 1995, 'New Forms' was Roni Size's debut album, marking a significant shift in the genre of drum and bass. At this point, Size was emerging as a key figure in the UK music scene, building on his earlier EPs and gaining recognition for his innovative approach to production and live performance.
Why it matters
'New Forms' received critical acclaim and won the Mercury Music Prize in 1997, which highlighted the album's innovative sound and cultural significance. It charted at number 6 on the UK Albums Chart, solidifying Roni Size's influence on the electronic music landscape and helping to popularize drum and bass beyond underground circles.
Essential tracks
- "Brown Paper Bag" — This track epitomizes the album's blend of intricate beats and jazzy elements, showcasing Size's signature style and becoming a defining anthem of the genre.
- "New Forms" — The title track encapsulates the album's ethos, merging complex rhythms with atmospheric textures that represent a new direction for electronic music.
- "Digital" — With its futuristic sound design and intricate layering, 'Digital' highlights Size's production prowess and serves as a blueprint for future drum and bass artists.
Release Date
January 1, 1995
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
- 1 Railing 2:05
- 2 Brown Paper Bag 9:03
- 3 New Forms 7:44
- 4 Let’s Get It On 6:56
- 5 Digital 9:04
- 6 Matter of Fact 4:04
- 7 Mad Cat 4:55
- 8 Heroes 6:34
- 9 Share the Fall (full vocal mix) 6:13
- 10 Watching Windows 5:32
- 11 Beatbox 1:09
- 12 Morse Code 6:39
- 13 Destination 8:30
