C’batch drops new LP ‘The Vault 2’

C’batch, the artistic banner of Stephen H. Cumberbatch, is an artist based in White Plains who’s moved through music as composer, author, producer and multi-instrumentalist, building a body of work that reflects decades of curiosity. His story has followed the movement between of many genres and how those shifts can still carry a recognisable identity. That identity has always been self-directed and though an established member of ASCAP, C’batch has maintained creative independence throughout his journey.

His approach combines professional output with personal autonomy, allowing experimentation to remain central rather than incidental. Instrumentally, he works across guitar, keyboards, synths and samplers, a toolkit broad enough to support the stylistic range that defines his catalogue. Those skills have led to collaborations with numerous industry professionals over time, but just as important has been the infrastructure he built for himself.

In 1984, C’batch co-founded Stevette Music, Inc. alongside Yvette Cumberbatch, which became a creative base from which to publish, produce and develop projects on his own terms. That independence is crucial when looking at his recent resurgence, particularly the archival Vault series, which draws together different eras and strands of his output.

His influence also stretches into earlier dance music history with cocals from one of his tracks later sampled in Run Tings’ “Back Again,” linking his work to the development of UK hardcore and jungle scenes. March saw the arrival of the double album C’batch Smooth / Rough – The Vault 1, opening this new chapter by revisiting and reframing material across contrasting moods and textures.

Now comes the follow-up, The Vault 2, a release that expands the concept while venturing further into songwriting, rhythm and emotional storytelling by moving decisively into a more vocal-led and rhythmically varied world. Soul, R&B, Pop, Rock and Reggae all flow through the record as parts of a larger language C’batch has spent years developing and across stylistic shifts, the album remains tethered to themes of love, reflection and personal memory.

“Will This Be The Last Time?” kicks things off with the patter of laid back drums, warm instrumentation and smooth vocalisations forming a shimmering soul pop soundscape. Brimming with alluring melodic leads carried by stunning vocal performance and wrapped in a vintage pop aesthetic, it’s a dazzling jam that’s truly impossible not to love.

“Giving You All My Love” presents a heartfelt expression of devotion carried by bright melodic phrasing that feels misty and direct, built on sincerity to deliver a charming slice of R&B-tinged pop. “The Word Is Out (Will I Get Over You?)” blends soulful reflection with accessible pop appeal, balancing emotion with bouncy dance-focused energy. Tracks like “Call on Me” slow things down to cast a mellow jam that glides with breezy rhythmic sway, delicate instrumentation and tender vocal performance.

On “Next Time (I Won’t Be Falling),” C’batch offers a delightful sound of snapping beats, atmospheric textures and infectious melodic hooks. With “Can I Hold On?,” the flicker of airy electric guitar notes sets up a rock-inflected outing that rolls with steady rhythmic groove and impassioned vocals to lay down a magical musical moment. Closing the album with “(Mi Wan Yu Fi) Rock Dat Pum Pum (Reggae),” he crafts a rhythm-forward jam cut with alluring vocal leads and pulsing bass lines to conclude his stellar new record in spectacular fashion.

Listen to C’batch – The Vault 2 below