It’s hard to overstate the cultural impact of Richard Russell. Through XL Recordings, he hasn’t just helped shape club music - he’s been an architect of British sonic life for decades. Temporary, his third release under the Everything Is Recorded banner, reflects all of that experience, but it’s not a club record. It’s a meditation on death, loss, and the fleeting nature of all things, and it’s breathtaking.

Genre-wise, Temporary is unplaceable, sitting somewhere between soul and folk, with elements of ambient collage and subtle production design that hint at Russell’s club roots. The arrangements are remarkably sparse, but never empty. There’s warmth, there’s bass, and there’s a ghostly richness that rewards close listening. But the focus, more than anything is on the voice. And what voices: Sampha. Florence Welch. Roses Gabor. These are some of the most distinctive, emotionally intelligent vocalists alive - and Russell has given them a platform like no one else has.

You’re hearing them sing, and breathe, in high fidelity, surrounded by the barest instrumentation and immaculate silence. Porcupine Tree is a clear highlight, featuring a croaky vocal performance from Bill Callahan, a reminder of how powerful voices can be when left alone. Temporary insists on presence. It commands attention through honesty, gently forcing you into reflection. You will think about mortality and time, and you’ll be better for it. This is a love letter to the human voice from one of the most important facilitators in music. So listen.