Built On Glass

Editors' Notes Melbourne-based songwriter/producer Nick Murphy (a.k.a. Chet Faker) established himself as one of the most alluring voices in electro-soul through a series of sultry singles and collaborations. Built on Glass, his debut full-length, is an affecting, blues-inflected rumination on love, loss, desire, and emotional desolation. Set to spare beats, hypnotic samples, and vintage synths, Murphy’s yearning melodies are strung together on slow-burning tracks like “Talk Is Cheap,” “Gold,” and “Blush.” Even when the tempos are taken up a bit—as on “Cigarettes & Loneliness” or “Melt” (which features a guest verse by experimental American rapper/singer Kilo Kish)—the album keeps its dusky ambience. With influences that are wide-ranging and intricately woven—the crackling hi-hat of vintage Portishead, the multi-tracked harmony from Bon Iver, the smoldering R&B-inflected organ lines and guitar leads—Built on Glass is an imaginative, soulful delight.