Something Lost, Something Gained – Kidnap

I’ve been taken by surprise by this one. I find Kidnap a bit hit-and-miss. When he’s on, he creates catchy, accessible, soulful electronica. But when he’s off, his music begins to feel generic and uninteresting. So I was caught off guard by the way I kept reaching back for this album.

The featuring artists are central to its success as a release. They each contribute their own character and energy, while Kidnap maintains the coherence of the album’s feel and flow. The tracks with Gabrielle Alpin are top notch, as is Chelou’s (shout out Adam!).

Photo credit: Candice Joelle

Without U – Ricky Razu

Today’s track is another weekend-dancefloor-Shazam special. They laid it down at the inaugral Acuña night at Off The Cuff in Herne Hill, and it was class.

It’s nothing complicated; just some straightforward, sun-soaked, piano-laden house by Belgian producer Ricky Razu on Houseum Records. I like it so much I bought the T-shirt (no joke – check out that sweet sweet album artwork).

Bonus track: recognise the sample? Clever you. It’s only Kidnap’s (formerly Kidnap Kid) 2013 release Survive!

Bonus track: Is that the end of the story? No! The sample first appeared in 2008. A little bit of garage-infused house. Tasty.