- Since Jitterbug debuted on Uzuri back in 2009, there's been no shortage of sample-led deep house with a firm grasp of its US roots. But while he operates in a crowded field, this attention-shy producer consistently sidesteps cliché. Partly it's down to technique: Jitterbug's tracks tend to be perfectly imperfect, using familiar techniques in quietly characterful ways. But mostly it's something ineffable—an ear for that sample over this one, for one particular groove as opposed to its infinitesimally different cousin.
The Workers EP demonstrates that, in this regard, Jitterbug is only getting better. At its centre is a trio of sample-led house tracks, each simpler and more exquisite than the last. "Sweet Tooth" cuts between two loops, both of which would make excellent tracks on their own, and that's about it; with a beat this sprightly it doesn't need to do anything else. The faintly Andrés-like "Ache 4U," meanwhile, is about as swoonsome as its title suggests. "Koko" finds the sweet spot between rough-edged kinesis (the distorted thump of its kick drum) and gauzy beauty (those creamy guitar licks). These tracks would make an excellent EP on their own; their three companions are weaker, though they do a good job of demonstrating Jitterbug's range. "Surge"'s clap-led groove is almost technoid, while "Jus Drums" is a proficient but rather dull Chicago-style percussion tool, strangely lacking in the crunch and crackle found elsewhere. "Trak6" is a bit more colourful, but with such juicy treats elsewhere on the EP, you might not find much cause to come back to it.
TracklistA1 Sweet Tooth
A2 Jus Drums
A3 Surge
B1 Ache 4U
B2 Koko
B3 Track 6