Cinephile

Cinephile is a Glasgow-based electronic duo consisting of composer Kenny Inglis and vocalist Susan Wallace. Formed in 2002, the project was founded on a 'sonic manifesto' that prioritized atmospheric depth and cinematic scale over traditional pop structures.

Their sound is a quintessential evolution of the post-Portishead trip-hop landscape, characterized by high-fidelity production, downtempo breakbeats, and ethereal female vocals. Unlike the Bristol scene's focus on vinyl crackle and jazz samples, Cinephile utilizes a more polished, digital-noir aesthetic that feels modern and sleek. This 'celluloid' quality led to significant success in sync licensing, with their music appearing in prestige television dramas like 'Six Feet Under' and 'CSI', which cemented their reputation as masters of mood-setting. Critically, they are viewed as a bridge between the darkwave-adjacent trip-hop of the late 90s and the more expansive, soundtrack-oriented electronica of the 2010s. Their catalog, largely released through their own Antimatter Music label, maintains a consistent focus on nocturnal themes and emotional isolation.