Review:
Dauwd caused a bit of a stir earlier this year with a free digital EP released through Pictures Music, and now he gets his first release proper with What's There. The title track is characterised by its melodic approach to bass music, with elastic synths and water droplet sonics accented with minimal, clicky percussion. It's a deceptive track which unfolds itself gradually, hitting you between the eyes with its emotional climax. The other tracks don't disappoint either, with "Acireams" utilising a straighter 4/4 beat with a palette of warm synth textures and clipped samples. Perhaps the real gem is "Ikopol", with its golden tones and bright bell percussion in combination with its rich bass and house untertones is perhaps exactly what you'd imagine a collaboration between Four Tet and Martyn to sound like. An incredible debut from what looks set to be one to watch in 2012.