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Al Wootton released his latest endeavor with the plight of Palestinians in mind amid a flare up in the Israel-Hamas conflict. In Our Thousands, In Our Millions sees the London producer opt for a tranquil dub techno sound. Released in digital format by TRULE Records on May 16th, it will only be available for purchase until Sunday, the 30th with all proceeds going towards U.K. charity Medical Aid for Palestinians.
The understated atmospheres of In Our Thousands, In Our Millions are familiar territory for Wootton. “Thousands” sees scarce sound design elements echo back and forth at each other over wide chasms of space in the arrangement, whereas the bright rippling melodies of “Millions” form calculated interference patterns. The effort closes with “Barco,” the most organic-sounding and perhaps conventional entry of its tracklist.
Al Wootton A.K.A. Deadboy
Prior to his recent releases under his birth name, Al Wootton made a name for himself in UK garage and house music under the alias Deadboy. After inaugurating his RULE Records imprint with a 12-inch record under the long-running moniker, he arrived at a unique signature sound by combining the upbeat arrhythmia of UK garage with the vast sonic spaces of dub techno.
Today, May 21st marks the first day of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after 11 days of fighting. The conflict reignited on May 10th when Palestine fired missiles at Israel in response to police raids of the al-Aqsa mosque as well as other clashes with Palestinians. Israel responded with air strikes on the Gaza strip, leading to a death toll of 243 (including 66 children) compared to 12 civilian deaths and one soldier on the Israeli side.
In Our Thousands, In Our Millions is available for purchase in digital format until May 30th via Al Wootton Bandcamp.
