RBRBR - The Bobby Masicks EP CD-EP

This is a dance CD but it's unlike any dance CD you'll have heard to date. The reason for that – and why it is an absolute gem of a CD – is because it mixes so much into its grooves – it's downtempo yet it's irresistible; it's both electronic and percussive, each an absolute vital core ingredient into the rhythms which absolutely addictive; it's got some wicked bass undercurrents that add to the strength and solid foundations of the rhythmic beef; it's got its tongue firmly in its cheek while at the same time, producing songs that are utterly infectious and things of great joy that you just want to play and play and play. In addition to this, are guitars – used sparingly – and synths/samples used to enormous effect, plus vocals of an almost Eno-esque languidity, all of which combine to produce the stunner that are the four songs on this EP. The EP begins with “Maff”, a track that opens with chattering percussion, swirling synths and laid-back Prince-like vocals as the clatter of percussive beats enters, only for this giant eruption of mid-paced electronic and percussive rhythms to flare up and take the track rolling along to wondrous effect. As the song progresses in its own relaxed yet powerful way, so does the instrumental work build and layer as the whole thing strides along purposefully with conviction and emotion, downtempo and dancey. With synth bursts of economic grace and the ultimately monotone Eno-esque vocal on the verses and hooks, this proves completely irresistible to mind, body and soul. Following this comes “Golden Tomorow”, similarly structured with more of an upfront bass, then upfront bass synth as synth swirls underneath, the drums and electro-percussives crunch merrily forward, as the laid-back Eno-esque vocal intones the title and the sparest of hooks, amid a plethora of synth layers and multi-rhythmic beats and rhythms from electronics and percussives, all very hypnotic yet at the same time constantly changing shape. As it builds to a peak, it then drops back to be led by a wicked funk bass, choppy drums and a superbly restrained electric guitar riff to add a whole bunch of extra textures to what is a now massive sounding multi-layered slice of largely instrumental indie electro-dance that's quite simply awesome. But if you thought that was awesome, wait till you hear “27 Russian Friends” - a track that's even more rhythmic, and built around a sea of vocal samples and the most powerful track on the EP – pulls a killer punch as the flare of solid percussive, bass, electronic and electro-percussive rhythms erupt into lurching mid-paced life as the synths swirl all around the mix and the layers of vocal samples are added to great effect, both humorous and yet absolutely perfect for the track, of which it has to be said, is an absolute killer of a composition, the sort of thing that you'll just play and play, dancing madly around the room to its percussive, bass and electro-percussive glory, with a massive smile on your face at the same time. Genius!! The CD ends with “Masick's Blues”, a similar slice of mid-paced indie electro-dance with a relaxed feel to its verse-as-hook one liner multi-tracked vocal, as another array of electronic, percussive and bass-driven rhythms topped by more synth layers and melodic currents, works its way magically into your head and refuses to let go. To summarise, it's wonderful stuff from start to finish, and, although more Mainframe than Art Of Noise (obscure '80's reference), it's decidedly unique in modern times and one essential listening gem of an EP.

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