Scratchclart returns to Hyperdub with perhaps the peak release so far from a run of brilliant collaborative EPs. Afrotek EP explores his UK Gqom hybridisation of South African and UK dance music, taking it in evermore exciting directions.
The EP starts with the catchy and very fresh Flex feat :3LON, who is an up and coming vocalist and producer from Baltimore. :3LON has previously worked with Moor Mother, Kingdom and others and their smooth delivery of aggressive lyrics compliments Scratchclart's moody Amapiano-influenced production perfectly.
The track is followed by the spirited Bless The Earth, featuring Nottingham MC and one to watch Mez, dropping a bubbling vocal across Scratchclart, DJ Polo and Scottie Dee's Banx Skanx riddim from the recent Bagaman EP. Next up is the dreamy instrumental Sleeper, with Scratchclart building the mood with droning notes and woozy, rippling chords.
The EP ends with the title track, a collab with South African producer Mxshi Mo from Pietermaritzburg near Durban. It's a dark creeper that slowly builds seesawing gqom influenced call and response rhythms, sustaining a wonkiness which will have dancers tripping over their feet.
I love all Hessle Audio releases because they're just plain fun. This sort of thing hearkens back to 1991 in a good way with classic "rave" breakbeat elements with a modern touch of course. I think people have new labels for this music but it sounds like classic rave breakbeats to me and this is far from a bad thing. jonarmst
Travail de dingue sur les sonorités ! Je ne sais pas par quelle magie ces fous furieux ont réussi à sortir ces fréquences, mais une chose est sûre : woooooooooow ! paxleson