#21 of 25
· Cratewise Editorial
“A single night out, tracked from anticipation to euphoria to comedown to sunrise. 'Open Eye Signal' is relentless. 'Immunity' is tender. The arc is perfect.”
Jon Hopkins is a British electronic musician and producer born in 1979 who emerged from the UK's early 2000s electronic scene. He initially gained recognition through remixes and production work for artists like Opal Fruit and King Creosote before establishing himself as a solo artist with albums like "Opalescence" (2010) and "Immunity" (2013). His breakthrough came with "Emerald Rush" (2018), which showcased his mature synthesis of ambient textures, intricate rhythmic structures, and emotional depth. Hopkins has also worked extensively as a film composer, contributing to documentaries and gaining critical acclaim for his sonic design across multiple mediums. His recent works continue to explore the intersection of electronic production and orchestral elements.
Style
Hopkins creates intelligent electronic music that blends ambient soundscapes with complex rhythmic patterns, often incorporating orchestral instruments and field recordings. His style ranges from introspective, minimalist ambient pieces to more energetic, rhythmically-driven compositions.
Significance
As a key figure in contemporary electronic music, Hopkins represents the evolution of UK electronic production toward more textural, album-oriented work that appeals to serious collectors. His releases on vinyl have been highly regarded for their sonic quality and packaging, making him particularly relevant to collectors interested in modern electronic and ambient music.
Jon Hopkins' fourth studio album, "Immunity," was recorded across multiple sessions in 2013 and early 2014, marking a significant evolution in his sound toward more introspective and experimental territory. Working primarily with producer Paul Epworth at various studios including The Church in London, Hopkins crafted a deeply personal record following a period of intense creativity and personal reflection. The album features his signature blend of electronic production, piano work, and atmospheric textures, but with greater emphasis on vocal elements and emotional directness than his previous work. Collaborators included Four Tet's Kieran Hebden, who contributed mixing and production ideas, helping Hopkins refine the album's complex layered sound into something more cohesive and human-centered.
Historical Context
Released in June 2013 on Domino Recording Company, "Immunity" arrived during a golden period for electronic music's mainstream acceptance, following the commercial success of artists like Disclosure and James Blake. The album received widespread critical acclaim for its emotional depth and technical sophistication, with reviewers praising Hopkins' ability to balance intricate production with genuine vulnerability. It resonated particularly with fans who had followed his progression from early Four Tet collaborations through his increasingly sophisticated solo work, establishing him as a leading figure in contemporary electronic music alongside younger generation producers.
Pressing Notes
The original 2013 vinyl pressing on Domino is a standard black vinyl edition housed in a gatefold sleeve with artwork by Aria Dean. The album has seen multiple reissues and variants since, including 180-gram remastered editions. Early pressings from the initial run are generally well-regarded for sound quality. Collectors should verify condition carefully, as the gatefold sleeve is prone to wear. The album was also released on 2LP in some territories. Like most Domino releases from this period, original UK and US pressings have subtle differences in manufacturing and pressing quality, with European pressings sometimes considered superior. No particularly rare or colored vinyl variants of note exist for the original pressing.
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