Following the release of several innovative EPs and a memorable performance at Starbase, Skybreak is thrilled to unveil his highly anticipated album, HALF BLOOD. What began as a passion-driven side project rooted in self-reflection gradually developed into his most artistic work to date. Crafted during a period of personal development and creative soul-searching, HALF BLOOD is rich with introspective moments, the gritty vibe of urban life, and the quest to discover one’s true, authentic self.
Being a dual citizen of the UK and the US, Skybreak draws inspiration from both the New York City Subways and the London Underground. His music incorporates elements of early dubstep, UKG, and Grime, all with a vibrant twist. HALF BLOOD features dark, ominous undertones, glitchy overlays, and cinematic transitions that will make you scratch your head in awe. This intensely personal album explores themes of growth and authenticity, all while delivering a profound punch.
“HALF BLOOD was never the album I expected to write.” Skybreak shares. “I was in the process of writing the album I thought others wanted from me, but nothing felt genuine. So this started out as a sidequest – my attempt at taking established tropes of UK Bass music and spray painting them with my signature colorful sound design. But it became so much more.”
Next Stop Half Blood!
Starting with “Star Cannon,” this opening track throws you straight out of the chamber into hyperspace, setting the tone for the new album. ‘Star Cannon’ is glitchy, heavily textured, and full of raw, unhinged energy. As one of the most textured tracks on the album, it truly stands out among the rest. The mood shifts with the UK garage-inspired track “Antimatter,” featuring Purple Velvet Curtains. His vocals engulf the track, infusing it with UK vibes that complement Skybreaks’ unique sound design.
Then comes “Can’t Let Go,” a groove-filled track with deep, resonant bass lines. Featuring flownastasia’s elegant vocals, “Can’t Let Go” is full of emotion and captures the introspective journey of self-discovery mentioned earlier. The change of pace is nice and glides the album along perfectly. Moving into a darker vibe is “Anxiety,” which reminds me of those dimly lit New York alleyways. “Anxiety” explores the inner corridors of the mind and then some. The spacious and foreboding sound design creates a fascinating, almost sinister effect that I really love.
A soft interlude to sooth your soul.
Around the halfway point of the album, “Street Garden” and “Vagabond” serve as the unofficial interludes for the LP. Both tracks feature a slower pace and a more mellow, heartfelt vibe—a real breath of fresh air for Half Blood. Getting back into high gear is “Stone Kold” featuring Subten. Staying true to his UK grit, “Stone Kold” showcases the roughness of London’s city streets. Next up is “Red Hot Skull,” a futuristic nod to classic dance music. This track is so sick! A cosmic send-off that really gives me that late 90s / early 2000s vibe, perfect for sweaty warehouse sets and deep, dark disco-techs.
Ringing in the last quarter of the album is “Dreamer,” a UK hip-hop-inspired track with slightly fewer overlays but with the energy turned all the way up. This track has a lively, bouncy groove that you can bob your head to. Next up is “Chrysalis,” tinged with a subtle drum and bass-style backbeat; this track is mesmerizing. I absolutely love the hypnotic textures in the background combined with the extended bass lines. The track perfectly winds down the emotional journey that Half Blood has just taken you on.
Far thee well fair traveler
Finally, “World’s End (Remember)” with its smoky vocals and uplifting energy brings a sense of renewed rebirth as it reaches the conclusion of the album. This track, inspiring feelings of renewal, gently breathes new life into your soul as you come to the closing of the album. A man, describing what I believe is the subway line, pleasantly thanks you for riding Half Blood. A ride it certainly is; Half Blood is a musical rollercoaster taking you through colorful electric highs, somber lows, while delivering an intricate sound designs unlike any other.