Spacek

South London's Spacek is the definitive example of the blurred line between trip-hop and R&B. The trio formed in the mid-'90s; bassist, vocalist, and head songwriter Steve Spacek was introduced to guitarist Edmund Cavill through a mutual friend, and former MC Morgan Zarate was discovered through Spacek's management as a fitting drummer for the outfit. By the end of 1998, the group was signed to Island Blue in the U.K.

Working out of the Clapham studio that Steve Spacek was able to erect after receiving a publishing deal in the early '90s (he produced and wrote for Stex, among others), the group established a fair amount of hype amongst DJs during the latter half of 1999, when a white label of their first single, "Eve," made the rounds. Featuring lush beats, subtle but melodic bass lines, gliding strings, and Steve Spacek's silky, subdued vocals, it became obvious that the their desire to "bring soul music and R&B up to date" would be fulfilled.

Curvatia, their excellent debut full-length record, was issued in 2001. Flattering comparisons were thrown, ranging from the Isley Brothers to Marvin Gaye to D'Angelo to Massive Attack. Two years passed until the release of their second album, Vintage Hi-Tech. K7 picked it up for U.S. distribution.