Dubstep Recommendations February 2010

Review: Fans of Dave Huismans might know him better by his 2562 alias, but this project is another thing altogether. An opportunity to pursue his interest in all things dubstep, he's previously released albums of songs all composed within one evening. This EP comes more fully formed though, and is right on the money. The infectious shuffle of title tune "Sun Touch" is as fresh as anything out there at the moment. Fans of Joy Orbison, Martyn and Kode 9 should take note.

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.