Nottingham’s Heurt isn’t new to us but is bringing something new to the scene.
By Graeme Smith
Sounding somewhere between a chill Fred Again and lively SYML, Heurt (real name Lawrence Johnson) sets himself apart through his insistence on not using samples. Every layer you hear on his new EP, Knots, was created by him.
And there are a heck of a lot of layers to Knots. Heurt’s sound combines electronic and percussive instrumentals with smooth, soulful vocals, bringing together pop, R&B, drum and bass, and experimental ambience. It’s an intoxicating mix.
The vocals provide the emotional engine of each track while the instrumentals keeps things unexpected and interesting. There’s a lot of feels in each of the record’s four tracks.
The EP title refers to R. D. Laing’s poetic conversation pieces referred to as “knots” or impasses in human relationships. It gives the collection a soul-searching feel, especially in the inscrutable Giblet.
Depth is tempered by approachability throughout, giving the right balance of the cerebral and the joyous. Fragments proves a vibrant and upbeat highlight before the lingering, tormented Game Theory closes the EP.
Everything is enhanced by Heurt’s commitment to play all the instrumentals himself. Because there are no samples, the EP feels crafted. You can tell it’s been constructed painstakingly, giving it a personal and original feel.
“I don’t programme anything or use samples I haven’t made,” says Johnson about his approach. “I’m very much of the opinion I spent the time learning all these instruments, so it’d be an odd move to use a sample of someone else playing rather than do it myself. It somehow wouldn’t be my music if I were using someone else’s sample.”
Knots represents an evolution in Johnson’s sound which first came to our attention in 2024 through his album, Not Alone. The album, too, leant into Johnson’s love of poetry, blending captured audio and sci-fi overtones. Though shorter, Knots feels deeper.
It helps that the project comes with a visual element. The album’s artwork is a result of multi-exposure photography shot by Johnson using a ‘60s USSR camera, pairing nicely with the themes of the music. It’s another example of the thought that has gone into the project, and his auteur tendencies.
Through both Not Alone and Knots, Heurt is marking himself out as an artist to watch on the underground UK scene. Unafraid to do things his own way, he’s making some beautiful, emotional, and thought-provoking music.
Knots EP is out 5 June 2026.
