Strangelove

In quick succession to his Tessier-Ashpool junglist reinvention via the "Emphasis" EP, Otik follows up with companion piece "Strangelove" – a statement of his versatility, and of the liminal variety possible within the framework of 130-ish BPM breaks-led electronic compositions. Operating on the boundary between a fragmented grime take and a rolling jungle stepper, opener "Glimpse" is as stammering as its telltale vocal sample, urging listeners to "do a double take"… and leading by example, it proceeds to constantly fracture and reassemble itself in real time. Follow-up "Futile" is most reminiscent to Otik's own previous "Emphasis" (the track this time), or the efforts of the likes of Mella Dee or Benton – reese-based soliloquys, as effortlessly melodic and soulful as they are (put simply) dark and hardcore. "Bulldog" returns to the call-of-response of "Glimpse", this time eschewing shrapnel dynamics for hypnotic diva/amen counterpoint. Lastly, title track "Strangelove" brilliantly weaves together Motown soul piano samples with ragga glossolalia and heavy breakage, serving as a sort of recursive anthem to black music. Nothing strange about the love we got for this one.