- Despite his current prolificacy, it seems like there'll be no deterioration in the quality of Youandewan's productions anytime soon. In fact, What's The Deal's four tracks may be Ewan Smith's most mature and rounded efforts yet—they're certainly his most atmospheric.
His debut for Will Saul's Simple label is deep house with a highlighter pen struck through "deep." The title track has some of the subtle UK garage flavours—muted vocal samples, high-stepping snares—that have coloured his recent releases on secretsundaze and Hypercolour, married to a more Detroit-inspired mood. There are also distinct jazzy overtones and splashes of acid as it plays out. If this sounds like a lot, the tightness of the arrangement keeps it from spilling over.
Things are far simpler on "Just Words," which quickly locks into a classic deep groove as hi-hats ebb and flow with a brief analogue synth phrase whirling around them. "You Don't" is kept interesting by a bassline that bumps and lurches woozily, and snares that lag half a second off-beat. Whether unwittingly or not, Smith pays homage to Larry Heard on the warm-fronted "You Tired," with its flecks of piano and lithe, old-school bass patterns.
TracklistA1 What's The Deal?
A2 Just Words
B1 You Don't Know
B2 You Tired