Dva At Juno Download

Review: Scratcha DVA delivers his debut 12" for Hyperdub with "Natty," taking dub step's funky phenomenon even further with two funky, yet tribal tunes.

This is a highly anticipated Hyperdub release. Having received plays from Kode 9 affiliates, Cooly G and Ikonika in addition to players like Oneman to Marcus Nasty and Jackmaster - expectations were high. The iconic label, perhaps sensing this, have even issued the record in a resplendent spot-gloss sleeve.

Known originally for his grime beats, DVA has been bubbling away just under the surface for a while now. It is his unique take on the funkier side of dub step that is getting him all the recognition now. Serving as an answer to all those who believe this new movement is a step in the wrong direction for the genre, this release showcases DVA adapting to the dynamic production levels of European house and techno and twisting them for a ruder, contemporary London-centric audience.

"Natty" is based around a heavily staggered snare-driven rhythm that gives the track its infectious off-centre, skippy nature. It is a slow, percussive trip that swaggers and staggers with tribal influences. It is a truly unique track, almost free from any other labelling whatsoever. "Ganja" however, is much simpler. It follows a 4/4 pulse but feels loose and rolls along to some jackin' polyrhthms and loopy lead synth. Perhaps the better track for the dancefloor, "Ganja's" catchy bassline merges perfectly DVA's more minimal approach to funky dub step.

Hyperdub are always pushing dub step, helping forge new sounds and different techniques. Even within the funky sound, the label's output shows varying approaches. Through DVA, it shows a darker, more minimal take on the sound through splicing elements of house and techno into the genre.

Review: Rinse's breakfast show champion makes good on his blossoming relationship with Hyperdub and delivers this exotic and flavoursome debut LP. The first thing you notice is the strength of the vocal contributions, from Fatima on "Just Vybe" to Cornelia's elfin tones on "Pretty Ugly"; the combined effect of over half the tracks featuring a different singer somehow winds up with Pretty Ugly feeling like the best neo-soul album in recent times. DVA's production is wild, like a ranging beast he has no hope of taming. The sheer richness of sounds on offer, mixed with the oddball synths, noises, squiggles and jiggles, combine with the vocals for an utterly fresh album.