Cardiff’s Liquid don clÜ and genre-blending Surrey producer River join forces for a two-track EP titled ‘Without U’ that swings from sun-drenched to shadow-soaked.
clÜ and River land on Sweet N Sour with ‘Without U’, a two-tracker that plays both sides of the Liquid coin, one for the sunny hours, one for the after-dark comedown. Featuring vocal turns from Rhi’N’B and OB, this is a release built for range: warm, soulful, and radio-ready on one side, dark, minimal, and wavy on the other.
The title track ‘Without U’, featuring Rhi’N’B on vocals, is classic clÜ territory. Angelic pads, placid piano chords, and drum work that never overplays its hand, the kind of arrangement that’s earned him his reputation as Cardiff’s go-to name for Liquid done properly. It’s summery, it’s catchy, and it’s built to lift a room without breaking a sweat.
Flip it over for ‘Sullen’, featuring OB, and the mood drops. This one trades the sunshine for something gritty and minimal, all low-slung bass and shadowy atmosphere, the sort of track that suits last orders at a basement rave more than a Sunday playlist.
River brings the genre-blending instinct that’s shaped his sound since he started out in minimal and Liquid, cutting his teeth alongside labels like Incurzion Audio and Heavy Sonics. A soft spot for hip hop and dubstep keeps his production restless in the best way, and that range is all over this EP.
On vocals, Rhi’N’B needs no introduction to anyone paying attention to the UK’s Jazzy, Neo Soul, and Lo Fi corners. Singer, rapper, trumpet player, and full-time genre-hopper, she brings texture that elevates ‘Without U’ well beyond standard topline work. OB joins the featured line-up on ‘Sullen’, adding another voice to the record’s darker half.
Two tracks, two moods, one strong statement of intent from brand new label Sweet N Sour.
Check out our premiere of ‘Without U’ below. The EP is out on Friday, 17th July. Grab a copy here!