Smith and Mudd

As with the first album there’s more to Smith and Mudd than a few pretty deep house tracks. We start with ‘New sofa’ a lovely mid-afternoon, pastis drinking, ambient piece before entering ‘Genoa’s gentle tribal drums and chants, another classic Smith & Mudd bassline. ‘Little Millie’ comes next, a totally infectious latin groove and what a guitar line! The flute solo ain’t bad either.

‘The delivery man’ does exactly what it says on the tin, delivering a killer groove, rolling percussion and an infectious guitar lick. The album title track then heads off into spookier territories - feel the sitars. Psyche-balearic anyone? My personal favourite. ‘Two Rivers’ drops next with it’s Ashra-vibed guitars layered over another epic bass line. Also it features the first vocals of the CD. A direction I can definitely see S&M taking in the future and perfect for those summer holidays to come. ‘Ninety three’ is a spaced out, slo-mo killer with a cheeky little GET UP vocal refrain. It’ll sound great at 6am with the sun rising over the Adriatic.

‘Wem’ gets it’s second airing on CD after debuting on a comp by some hairy Mancs last year. It’s companion piece, ‘The waiting’ is probably the greatest Cafe del Mar sunset track you’ve never heard (unless you bought the super ltd 7”). There’s a distinct eastern flavour to this beauty.

Finally, ‘Annette Road’s' Betty Blue-esque harmonicas bring a suitably gentle end to a truly lovely listening experience. As you drift off towards the end of this album you realise Smith & Mudd have pulled off something very special here.