Tricky, the enigmatic innovator of sound, returns with his 13th studio album, ununiform, a profound exploration of personal evolution and unexpected tranquility. Released under his own label False Idols via !K7 Music, this intricate and delicate album marks a significant step in Tricky’s career – a venture into the realms of happiness and contentment. ununiform is not just an album; it’s a confrontation with legacy, history, family, and even mortality, culminating in the discovery of something truly unfamiliar for the iconic British producer: peace.
This is the first full-length album crafted since Tricky’s relocation to Berlin three years prior. While Berlin is often associated with its vibrant nightlife, Tricky’s move was about seeking a fresh start in every sense. “I appreciate Berlin because of its anonymity. The good food, the walks, my bike – it’s about self-care. I’ve given up drinking here. Some might find it mundane, but my days begin at 9 am and end by 11 pm. It’s about looking after myself.” This disciplined lifestyle provides the backdrop for an album that is both introspective and sonically adventurous.
While the majority of ununiform was conceived in Berlin, four tracks were born in Moscow, a city holding a special place in Tricky’s heart. “Moscow is my favorite city globally,” he reveals. Seeking refuge from the Christmas season at home, Tricky spent three weeks in Moscow in December 2016, immersing himself in the city’s atmosphere, cuisine, and creative energy. These Moscow sessions resulted in collaborations with prominent local rappers and producers, injecting a unique Russian flavour into the album. “I’ve been captivated by Russian rap for two decades. The accents are incredible, and I’ve always envisioned incorporating a Russian rapper into my music.”
The Russian artists featured on ununiform are among the most respected and successful in their scene. Scriptonite lends his distinctive flow to the complex tracks ‘Blood Of My Blood’ and ‘Same As It Ever Was.’ Vasiliy Vakulenko, a leading figure in Russian rap, crafted the beat for the ethereal single ‘The Only Way.’ Smoky Mo contributes to the digital energy of ‘Bang Boogie,’ produced by Gazgolder, a powerhouse Russian rap label. Remarkably, these collaborations transpired without Tricky needing to speak Russian. “Understanding the lyrics wasn’t essential. I could feel their energy. There’s a sense of living each day to its fullest in Moscow, and that resonated with me.”
Despite the overarching sense of serenity on ununiform, the album is also interwoven with contemplations on mortality. Tracks like the pulsating, synth-driven ‘Dark Days’ and the poignant single ‘When We Die’ explore themes of life’s finite nature. “Let me be clear: I don’t wish for an early death,” Tricky clarifies. “However, my earliest memory is of seeing my mother in her coffin at home. I would stand on a chair to look at her. So, I’m speaking to that child on the chair, reassuring him that ‘it will be alright. You’ll travel the world, create music, and experience the good things in life.’ Without accepting death, you can’t truly embrace life.” This acceptance forms a crucial undercurrent in ununiform.
Tricky attributes the newfound freedom evident in ununiform to a more practical factor: financial independence. “This is the first album in years that isn’t burdened by debt. That’s why it feels more relaxed!” Reflecting on his previous albums, including False Idols, Adrian Thaws, and Skilled Mechanics, he explains, “I was making those records with the pressure of quickly settling tax obligations. ununiform was created without that urgency. Now, as the owner of my label, I finance everything myself. I’m genuinely an independent artist, free to pursue my artistic vision. Freedom is liberating.”
This newfound financial freedom, coupled with a healthier lifestyle, has paradoxically led Tricky back towards his signature sound. For an artist known for constant experimentation, revisiting his roots might be the most radical step of all. “I no longer feel the need to prove anything, and I’m comfortable referencing my past work.” He even described the lead single ‘The Only Way’ as “Hell is Round The Corner, Part 2,” alluding to his seminal 90s work. This revisiting of his classic sound may also be a response to a new generation of artists, from The xx to boundary-pushing UK rappers like Gaika and CASisDEAD, who openly acknowledge Tricky’s 90s records as inspiration. Tricky recently collaborated with CASisDEAD, further cementing his influence on contemporary music. “My audience is incredibly diverse. I don’t need to constantly reinvent myself. Sometimes, it’s okay to revisit familiar territory.”
Alt text: Ununiform album cover art by Tricky featuring a blurred abstract image, representing the album’s themes of introspection and peace.
In this spirit of looking back, ununiform also reunites Tricky with past collaborators Francsca Belamonte, Asia Argento, and Martina Topley-Bird. ‘New Stole’ is a reimagining of ‘Stole,’ originally featured on Belmonte’s 2015 album Anima, which was produced by Tricky and released on False Idols. Martina Topley-Bird, the iconic voice of Tricky’s groundbreaking debut Maxinquaye, and a key collaborator on subsequent albums like Nearly God, Pre-Millennium Tension, and Angels with Dirty Faces, returns on ‘When We Die.’ Despite their close musical partnership in the 90s, this marks their first collaboration since Tricky’s guest appearance on Martina’s Mercury-nominated solo album Quixotic in 2003. Tricky emphasizes that Martina’s contribution to ‘When We Die’ is a natural artistic choice rather than a sentimental reunion, as they have remained connected through their daughter. “It simply happened organically because we had the time. I suggested to Martina that it would be amazing to have her on the album, and she sent her vocals via email. While our managers recognized the significance for listeners, for us, it was a relaxed and seamless process.” Similarly, his collaboration with actress Asia Argento on the delicate and beautiful ‘Wait For Signal,’ reflects their easy creative connection. “Working with Asia was effortless because of our existing rapport and her willingness to experiment. If I presented her with an unfinished track and asked her to try something, she would fully commit. It’s essential to have that level of trust and risk-taking in collaboration.” Tricky also continues to champion new talent, featuring vocalists Terra Lopez (of Rituals of Mine) on ‘Armor,’ Mina Rosa on the standout track ‘Running Wild,’ and Avalon Lurks, who performs a cover of Hole’s 1994 song ‘Doll Parts.’
Alt text: Tricky pictured in Berlin, reflecting his move to the city and its influence on the album ‘ununiform’, symbolizing a period of personal reflection and artistic reinvention.
A final, deeply personal reconnection occurred during the making of ununiform: Tricky’s rediscovery of his family’s history within Bristol’s soundsystem culture, and the revelation that his grandfather was the legendary reggae DJ Tarzan The High Priest. In 1965, Tarzan The High Priest established one of Bristol’s first soundsystems, a pivotal moment in UK music history that was highlighted in the Bristol Soundsystem Culture exhibition in Tricky’s hometown. “My grandfather released a record, which was a significant achievement in those times. He was a renowned artist before I was born, and his contributions shaped British music in ways that are still underappreciated.” Tricky’s challenging upbringing, marked by his mother’s suicide when he was four and subsequent foster care, has often been explored by critics and fans seeking to understand his art. This discovery of his grandfather’s musical legacy has profoundly impacted Tricky. “Reconnecting with my father’s family during this album’s creation, and realizing I come from such a strong lineage, instilled a sense of pride and confidence. I come from a line of musical pioneers. That feels empowering.”
Alt text: A photo of Martina Topley-Bird and Tricky, highlighting their long-standing musical partnership and reunion on the ‘ununiform’ album, emphasizing their significant impact on trip-hop music.
Ultimately, Tricky poses a compelling question: “People say this album sounds like ‘Tricky’… But what does that truly mean?” ununiform emerges as a glorious, beautiful, and intensely personal attempt to answer this very question. It’s an album that distills the essence of Tricky’s artistry, showcasing his evolution, his acceptance of the past, and his embrace of a newfound inner peace, making it a compelling and essential listen for long-time fans and new listeners alike.
