Review:
The news of a new album from label boss Scuba is just the tip of the iceberg on what promises to be another watershed year for the Hotflush imprint. And they get off to an excellent start with this label debut from Belgian producer Locked Groove, displaying an obvious talent for the sort of floor fusing music Hotflush are becoming increasing renowned for. Lead track "Rooted" is notable for the effortless way in which it builds from the gliding textures of the early moments and morphs into a bumping rhythm lead brilliantly by the analogue bass and skittering syncopation before switching back again. Having premiered on Scuba's DJ-Kicks contribution, "Drowning" appears here, mercifully allowing us a chance to fully immerse in the plunging rhythms and foundation worrying kick drums. "Change" closes the EP, showing a talent for subtle mood filled arrangements too - all skittering rhythms, deft vocal samples and deep pad infractions.