by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Eric Hilton, a founder member of the much-loved Thievery Corporation duo with Rob Garza, has continued to mine a rich vein of musical inspiration in his solo work.

The Thievery tradition has been retained, using largely down tempo beats as backing for music sourced from around the world, while simultaneously looking back through the decades. For Sound Vagabond Hilton used a public domain sample library, removing the problems of copyright clearance at one fell swoop, but in tandem with that he took inspiration from his travels.

The album, then, becomes what its creator describes as a ‘sonic travelogue’.

What’s the music like?

If the verdict is that it sounds like Thievery Corporation, then that is meant as a compliment for Eric Hilton’s music. The preparation is meticulous, and yet there is plenty of room for manoeuvre, a chance for the listener to enjoy all the sounds and sights of their destination.

Inspiration for the work runs far and wide – Cerro Allegre, for instance, was inspired by time in Valparaíso in Chile, while Mumbai Hustle takes a pinch of that city and blends it in with Detroit, upping the pace as it does so. Hilton orchestrates his source material so beautifully, with the harp that laces Endless Affair and Lumi a beautifully poised instrument, and the strings that dress Nico delivered with typical grace.

Midnight Milan is a suave nocturnal affair, the harp again forward in the mix, while the shuffling beat to The Violet Hour sits behind an exotic cast of strings, keys and languid guitar. The title track takes influences from North Africa, and you can feel the heat in its lazy woodwind and spacious keyboards. Similarly The Mirror Inside, a sultry number with a typically persuasive beat.

Does it all work?

It does. By their nature these soundtracks can be quite fragmented but the sequence here is very satisfying, with some lovely sounds and colours.

Is it recommended?

It is. If you like Austra as a band you won’t need any persuading, though you might be surprised at the extent to which Katie Stelmanis allows her imagination to blossom in what is a striking piece of work.

For fans of… Gazelle Twin, Julia Holter, Laurel Halo

Listen & Buy

Published post no.2,103 – Thursday 29 February 2024