- It's the irreverence with which UK bass music slams its influences together that makes it vital. Finesse has nothing to do with it. Nor does simulation. It's above all carefree and pleasure-seeking. You'll find plenty of slicker (expensive), more cerebral (rational), "better" (back to slicker?) productions than Gugu's "AC Riddim," but find me one that sounds like an elevator jive after a game of beach football with a team of djembe enthusiasts and I'll tell you I'm not having fun.
The same spirit extends to "RockAByeBaby" which, although in a more sombre key, is just as excitable with clusters of melody popping up all around: quick-fire marimba hits, chipper bass, neon-sign synth lines and an e-piano bar accompanist. The beat imposes a twitch in case you weren't already moving. Feeling decidedly footloose for Gugu, it seems a shame to append the release with label-head Scratcha DVA's near-miss wobble. The thunder-stealing bass is literally grimey, and while it might well tear up London's contraband airwaves, as it gatecrashes Gugu's samba, it just seems clumsy.
Tracklist A AC Riddim
B1 RockAByeBaby
B2 Still Born