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James Lavelle, under his enduring UNKLE moniker, continues his exploration of the "mixtape" format with Ronin II, a record that functions as both a sophisticated club document and a cinematic odyssey. Following the foundations laid by its predecessor, the album represents a meticulously realised fusion of Lavelle's deep-rooted obsession with breakbeat culture, sweeping orchestral arrangements, and high-fashion aesthetic. Rather than a traditional studio album, Ronin II is conceptualised as a continuous journey, a seamless mix that utilises a vast archive of reworked material, new collaborations, and ambient interludes to create a dense, nocturnal atmosphere that feels uniquely his own.
The sonic architecture of the album is characteristically grand, blending the grit of the London underground with a polished, widescreen production style. Lavelle favours a dark, brooding palette, where heavy, industrial-tinged drums meet ethereal synths and haunting vocal performances. Standout tracks such as "The Way Back Home" and "Instability" demonstrate his peerless ability to build tension, allowing melodies to drift in and out of the mix like half-remembered dreams. The inclusion of diverse guest vocalists—a hallmark of the UNKLE catalogue—adds layers of emotional complexity, with each contribution carefully placed to harmonise with the record's overarching sense of melancholic euphoria.
Ultimately, Ronin II is a testament to Lavelle's longevity and his refusal to be confined by genre. It is a work that analyses the legacy of the "trip-hop" sound while aggressively pushing it into more contemporary, electronic territories. The record is a masterclass in skilful sequencing, ensuring that the transitions between club-ready grooves and contemplative, atmospheric drifts are always fluid. By embracing the fluidity of the mixtape format, UNKLE has delivered a collection that is as much a piece of sound design as it is a pop record, cementing its status as a vital, rigorous, and deeply atmospheric chapter in a visionary career.
Tracklist
Side 1
1. "Tojo Ni"
2. "The Way Back Home" (Ronin/Original)
3. "On My Knees" (Ronin/Revisited)
4. "Exodus" (Ronin/Revisited)
Side 2
1. "Farewell" (Ronin/Revisited)
2. "Ar Mour" (Ronin Def Mix)
Side 3
1. "Looking For The Rain" (Ronin Reconstruction)
2. "Arm’s Length" (Ronin/Club)
Side 4
1. "Nothing To Give" (Ronin Reconstruction)
2. "Sonata" (Ronin Reconstruction)
3. "Instability: Closer Than You Will Ever Be" (Ronin/Original)