Just over 2 years since Hobie’s debut ‘espresso depresso’ on all my thoughts, the London-based producer returns on another of Seb Wildblood’s imprints, Church. Part-LP, part-beat tape, ‘strugglebus vol.1’ is a deeper foray into Hobie’s analogue sound, dropping on August 21st.

Several years in the making, the ‘strugglebus’ series saw shape following the loss of a close friend. It’s a nod to anyone who’s had — or is having — a tough go of it. A nod to grief, and how we each weather it in our own way, in our own time.

Hobie’s signature blend of warm instrumentation, MPC-dusted samples, and ear for an emotive sound palette, is clear-cut throughout. Distinctive tones, lush keys, field recordings and re-imagined samples make for a multi-layered collection of work that feels raw yet refined at the same time.

Tracks ‘my feet tell me i am crazy my pocket sings a different tune’, ‘j’accuse’, ‘when it all shakes out’ and ‘same’ hold to jazz influence, affecting sleepy melodies and soothing loops. ‘what baby really likes’, ‘who to love and how’, ‘words well worn’ and ‘world got itself in a hurry’ lean into hip-hop roots — sooty instrumentals comprising tranquil notes and slovenly beats.

Hobie’s ‘strugglebus vol.1’ is out on limited cassette and digital platforms on August 21st.