‘À La Roi’ is Space Dolphin’s first single from their debut LP More Than Soul. Translated from French to mean king, ‘À La Roi’ is a sonic tribute to Roy Ayers – king of vibraphone. The track is inspired from a support show in 2019, using clever improvisation and the groove that both Space Dolphin and Ayers know and love.
A year and a half in the making by the Leeds hip hop quartet, the track perfectly captures that timeless jazz feel. The old school hip-hop vibe incorporates vinyl scratches mixed with punchy keys and classic jazz-funk rhythm, perfect as we transition into sunnier days. The blending of the vibraphone and drum beat creates a happy energy to complement Motormouf’s beatboxing which pulls you deeper into the groove. As the track draws to a close, the keyboard typing effect symbolises an element of nostalgia from the Ayers show by signing off a mere semblance of the energy from that gig.
‘À La Roi’ brings lots of excitement for what’s in store for Space Dolphin’s debut album released on 25th June. The countdown is on.