- There is something infinitely personable about Leon Smart, whose charm and chattiness landed him a morning Rinse FM slot. Those unfamiliar with Scratcha DVA's much-loved Grimey Breakfast Show can get the gist from his latest Some Things Never Strange EP. "Whats Wrong?" teases us out of bed with its looping alarm clock-like tape sample. We're irritated with the impending dread of work, but a caffeine-burst of bright synths lifts the spirits and we're on our way. DVA keeps us entertained with his off-kilter style of funky bass and interjections of squidgy phrases before signing out on a bounding straight-house beat.
Rinse listeners will already be familiar with "The Flute Tune." It shares the engrossing monotones and song-like tunefulness that made DVA's Hyperdub debut "Ganja" such a well-played and received track. Unhurriedly it chugs towards a minimal melody, yet nonetheless delivers a sort of laidback banger. Where simplicity is its original merit, Maddslinky offers a more cluttered rework with equally beguiling results. Its spinal flute stamp tussles with the resurgent acid sound that seems to be all around UK bass of late, turning the steady roller into something a little more volatile.
The "guest" is Manchester-based producer GuGu, who follows up his Afro Cuban EP with something that sounds a little closer to home. Groove Chronicles colour this elastic and indeed "Rollin" funky number, breaking up its almost clinical precision with puffs of garage-house nostalgia. A real delight.
Tracklist01. DVA - Whats Wrong?
02. DVA - The Flute Tune
03. DVA - The Flute Tune (Maddslinky Remix)
04. Gugu - Rollin