- Sam Simpson, AKA Baobinga, adopts his Skinnz guise for a new release on Brighton's Well Rounded label. Simpson's work ranges so widely, even within a given project, that I'm not going to pretend to understand what separates his aliases; suffice to say that these three effervescent-but-meaty tracks play to the sweeter side of his nature. "I Know," the toughest cut here, lays out a dank wood-and-metal groove like so many segments of moldy pipe; it's nominally four-to-the-floor, but with a kick that hits only on the downbeat, it feels more elastic, pulled off its axis by syncopated bleats and springy accents.
"Put It on Me" is even springier, propelled by dry little rolls that are reminiscent of Untold's nimble percussive touch; both the looped R&B vocals and the snapping groove are informed by classic UK garage, while a bright portamento lead flashes briefly on G-funk. There's a delicious sense of tension as the chorus and the chords dart in and out of each other's shadows, and he makes every inch count, filigreeing its empty spaces with thorny xylophones and dizzy oscillator swoops. "Get It On" is the most garagey of the lot, with a killer sense of swing, a muted low-tom bassline, and chirping vocal shots promising endless summery vibes. (Sprightly arpeggios and more G-funk leads only add to the sunny mood.) In interviews, Simpson has spoken of his habit of putting audience faves on the B-side—evidence, he says, of his "ropy" A&R skills. But if he can keep making them like this, it doesn't matter where he slots 'em.
Tracklist 01. Put It On
02. I Know
03. Get It On