With embellishments coming from the likes of Ricardo Villalobos for Auntie Flo’s debut release, Goan Highlife, on the Huntleys & Palmers label, there have been more than a few ears tuned to the next installment from the Scot with Indian heritage. His newest release for the label’s second 10″ is already getting a solid hammering from a wide range of jocks, this time backed by the South African talent DJ Sdunkero who offers up further heat with “Choosing Love.”
“Oh My Days” taps into the vital vein of UK bass music while casually sidestepping the ravey elements of the genre by alluding to big beat influences. Its tribal drum patterns are meted out with a deft hand, proffering more of a mad party vibe than a dark, streetwise one. The repetitive vocal hook accentuates the rising synth lines, which hoist the energy of the track further, the kinetic clatter of the tribal percussion petering out briefly when the vocal chant becomes a rallying cry. Tightly compressing the sweat factor into a less-is-more approach makes the track seem a lot shorter than it actually is, clocking in at nearly five minutes but seeming somehow to end abruptly. On the flip, DJ Sdunkero keeps the fire burning with sweltering synths towering over a perpetual African rhythm, the concussive drums moving along at a tight clip. It’s the more contemporary sounding of the two cuts, though also not as unique sounding as the A-side. Regardless, Huntleys & Palmers serves up two extra-crispy dance floor biscuits with their latest, which will no doubt garner more attention for both of these artists here.
