Bleep

While Richard Russell is better known for his work as boss of XL Recordings, he does have pedigree in the world of music-making. Among other things, he has produced records for Bobby Womack and Gil Scott-Heron and was part of seminal rave duo Kicks Like a Mule. For his debut release as Everything is Recorded we see Russell channelling the kaleidoscopic style of Gorillaz, The Avalanches and Bjork. While the Sampha-featuring title track is a lovely slice Albarn-esque soul-pop and things close out with a quirky instrumental, he throws the kitchen sink at the mid-section. Giggs puts all the new road-rap mandem in their place on ‘Early This Morning’, ‘Washed Up on the Shore’ goes full Young Fathers, and ‘D’Elusion’ sounds like the best Kelela song you’ve never heard.