[Delsin]

When we were kids, our parents always told us that a little bit of dirt was healthy. Listening to Yoav B’s latest release on Delsin, it is clear just how true those words are, and how they can apply to a myriad of situations. The Israeli DJ has plotted a path on Love Dubs that, while not as precise or flawless as some of his contemporaries in terms of sound design, makes for compelling listening and takes house/techno out of its sterile comfort zone.

The raw, dirty approach is audible on “Higher Love”; it starts with an upfront, insistent drum sequence, but the swift addition of dreamy chords and an underlying acid squelch makes it sound like the rhythm track is inebriated. The addition of extra analogue riffs and a muffled male vocal enhances the smoke and mirrors effect as the track staggers along. A similar sound is audible on “Soul Surrender.” The only difference this time is that Yoav B starts the arrangement with delicious, slightly out of time beats, which project the fullness of a late afternoon shadow under evocative chords and a bleeding acid segue. However, for the real antidote to digital mediocrity, check the title track. Amid a flurry of busy off-beats and a demented rhythm that has flourishes of jazzual complexity, Yoav drops a bass with the warmest, grittiest flavours this side of a Texan diner’s menu. If you’re after house music that really digs the dirt, look no further.