Metaform – Standing on the Shoulders of Giants (2008)

 

Released in 2008 on Just Records, Standing on the Shoulders of Giants is an impressive example of instrumental hip-hop reaching beyond the boundaries of a single genre. Metaform, the project of producer Justice Aaron, builds a richly textured sound from dusty samples, live instrumentation, jazz fragments and carefully shaped beats. Trip-hop is an important part of the album’s identity, but its musical world is considerably wider.

The title suggests an awareness of the artists who came before, and the music embraces that idea. There are echoes of the sample-based approach associated with DJ Shadow and RJD2, yet Metaform brings his own sense of atmosphere and detail to the mix. Warm melodic passages coexist with hazy electronic textures, while subtle changes in rhythm keep the arrangements moving.

One of the album’s greatest strengths is its variety. Tracks such as “Rock It Number Nine” establish a relaxed, sample-driven groove, while “PCH” ventures into funkier territory, and “Sunday” introduces a more restless rhythmic energy. Elsewhere, fragments of guitar, brass, piano and distant vocal samples create the impression of a soundtrack assembled from half-remembered scenes. The shorter pieces and transitions help maintain the album’s flow without forcing every track into the same mood.

Despite its eclectic influences, Standing on the Shoulders of Giants remains cohesive. Its production rewards close listening, revealing new details beneath the laid-back surface. This is not an album that attempts to reinvent instrumental hip-hop; instead, it demonstrates how much can be achieved through thoughtful sampling, strong musical instincts and an understanding of the traditions behind the sound.

For listeners drawn to the intersection of trip-hop, downtempo and instrumental hip-hop, Metaform’s album is a rewarding discovery — a record that honours its influences while creating a distinctive atmosphere of its own.