As with much of McGann’s recent work, the vocals are chopped up to create highly imaginative melodies, with the producer’s keen sense of texture shown off to the full and the odd phrase punctuating the magically woven canvas of oohs and aahs – phrases that are cast-iron guaranteed to stay in your head.
As I predicted in my review of Altar, Kähn is indeed going on to do bigger things, with this superb release and a barrage of top-quality remixes over the last couple of months promising that 2011 will be the year that Joseph McGann makes his mark on the UK dance scene. And having been picked up by champion of progressive dubstep and all-round Bristol tastemaker Peverelist (owner of Punch Drunk Records), this double A-side slab o’ wax should see McGann’s music spread further than ever before.
The first side features a brilliant track called “Like We Used To.” This begins with dark synth chords that rhythmically suck in and out of the mix. Laid-back, syncopated 2-step beats are introduced early on, too, with some gorgeous, girl-next-door vocal hooks over the top providing a memorable focus for the listener. As with much of McGann’s recent work, the vocals are chopped up to create highly imaginative melodies, with the producer’s keen sense of texture shown off to the full and the odd phrase punctuating the magically woven canvas of oohs and aahs – phrases that are cast-iron guaranteed to stay in your head, I might add. Halfway through, the track takes off in a new direction with the introduction of a swung synth line that forces your body to lurch into each and every one of the kicks and claps. Indeed, it’s such a good moment that I can see this track being used to great effect by many DJ’s over the coming months.
The AA side contains the second tune, “Helter Skelter,” which flaunts warm gated synths that effortlessly meld with the harder 2-step beats. The best moments are when the synths and beats pause in tandem to accent certain notes. These held sections are often given more gravitas with the synths pitching up or down unpredictably. The track is also a little deeper than the A side, with a sub bassline locked into the kicks, providing a bubbling undercurrent of pure groove. Again, then, this is another great tune for DJ’s, and I can see it slotting into any set ranging from UK garage to house.
As with most of Kähn’s music I’ve heard over the last six months or so, these tracks sound great wherever they’re played, whether that’s via headphones, on your car stereo or in a club. I’m still trying to work out how McGann manages to pull off this extraordinary feat, but that’s not really important right now. All that needs to be said is that this release makes me extremely happy and I’m sure it’ll do the same for you, too. Give it a go – you won’t regret it and you’ll be able to tell all your mates that you were listening to Kähn before he was famous.
Like We Used To / Helter Skelter 12″ single is out now on Punch Drunk.
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