TrilogyUniversal Republic ****
Previously available as free online downloads, Trilogy gathers Abel Tesfaye’s three releases from 2011 together for those who didn’t grab House of Balloons, Thursday and Echoes of Silence the first time around. Trilogy reminds you how striking and singular Tesfaye’s work is, as he infuses songs with melancholic, wistful, muted moods and captures the listlessness and ennui that often lurks behind the hedonism.
Tesfaye's musical post-party sighs, sulks and symphonies played a huge part in putting a new slant on r'n'b, and it will be fascinating to see where he goes from here. Certainly, the pop mainstream caught his drift. Tesfaye has since worked with Drake, Lady Gaga and Florence + The Machine. Trilogy shows how messing with existing atmosphericsand textures can lead to mesmerising brand new highs. theweeknd.com
Download: High for This, Thursday, The Fall