“It’s a really exciting time for music, with groups coming through like STUFF.” Gilles Peterson, BBC 6Music

With a wealth of support from the likes of Gilles Peterson and KUTMAH already in their favour, Belgian experimental collective STUFF. unleash their eponymous debut album in the UK on 18th September via buteo buteo.

The Belgium-based five-piece are a renowned live entity, who masterfully cross the border between broken hip-hop and jazz-influenced funk. Since forming back in 2012, the group have secured high profile support slots for the likes of D’Angelo and legendary jazz pianist Robert Glasper, alongside recording live remixes for Jungle and Little Dragon as part of their residence at Belgium’s most famous concert hall, Ancienne Belgique.

‘STUFF.’, which was mastered by Daddy Kev (Flying Lotus, Thundercat, Jon Wayne), features nine hip-hop-influenced instrumental cuts of chopped drums and syncopated rhythms. Opening track and lead single ‘Event Horizon’ begins with warped synths and wavy melodies, before erupting into unparalleled free-form jazz. Staying true to form, the track is laced with ambient electronic womps and rhythms: a signature element of the STUFF. makeup. 

‘Skywalker’ follows suit with expanding atmospheric textures, yet has a more contemparory feel, with articulated snare hits laying the foundations. ‘STUFF.’ emcompasses all elements of the band’s sound throughout, from the smooth jazz tones in the outro of ‘Sifa’ and wonky hip-hop of ‘Java’, to the downtempo grooves of ‘Caves’.

The album was released physically in Belgium on 16th March of this year, accompanied by intricate charcoal artwork from renowned Belgian artist Rinus Van de Velde, whose fans include the designer Paul Smith. Its release immediately grabbed the attention of Gilles Peterson, who gave opening track ‘Event Horizon’ its first UK play on BBC 6Music. Peterson’s support has since helped propel the five-piece into the European limelight, leading to their inclusion in this year’s On Blackheath festival line-up, where he curates a stage.

STUFF. will play a number of additional live dates in the UK this summer, including a headline show at London’s historic Hootenanny, and selective festival appearances at Secret Garden Party, Kendal Calling and Green Man.

An explosive live force, who were the first European live band to be invited to perform a Boiler Room session, this talented five-piece are truly an act not to be missed.