Anushka – Never Can Decide EP

Label: Brownswood RecordingsScore: 8/10 

This bubbling bass duo, equipped with the sweetest vocal harmonies, that are oft times matched with bitter lyrical content, have really nailed the premise of vocal led house music in the modern era. Victoria Port’s voice is so incredibly catchy and Max Wheeler’s production capabilities, compliment it just perfectly. Their combined efforts make for music that has enough of an underground edge to it, while also being accessible and structured enough to make a real charge for the mainstream audience.

Already picked out by such taste making publications as Dazed & Confused and The Guardian’s ‘New band of the Day’, the Brighton based duo are winning over the affections of all the right people. Being part of Giles Peterson’s Brownswood alumni, is surely one of the best labels to be part of right now as well.

Their latest release, a digital single backed up by three remixes and an extended version, covers all bases, putting them in the sphere of drum and bass, future garage and that all important radio playability. The original lives in the same sphere as one of their previous tracks, ‘I Have Love 4 U’, with Ports luscious vocals taking the centre beam. Wheeler’s dexterity on the mixing desk is genius in its own right, levelling out sounds to appropriate vocals path and alleviate the right tension in the builds and breaks. In essence its all lush chords, loosely clicking percussion and dainty electro melodic sections, that all ride upon a not too engrossing kick drum.

On remix duties: Exist, GoldFFinch and Ivy Lab all throw up classy interpretations of the tune. Exist brings in a warm bass and Four Tet style instrumental yelps, keeping it housey. GoldFFinch comes at it with an air of The XX and their looping guitar and bass elements, with added pad melodies; more of a late night roller and less vocal appreciation. Ivy Lab Transforms it into a liquid ice D’n’B head banger, that can do nothing but bring memories of summers spent splashing around in drunken merriment. 

I’d say the only downside to it is its completely summery feel, but it definitely has the legs to carry till then and go onto be a summer smash played all over the festival circuit.