- What makes Cooly G tracks so singular in light of practically everything else coming out of the UK? It's tough to put your finger on, but the difference is palpable. Not quite house or garage or dubstep, but not exactly none of those things either, the music of Merrisa Campbell carves out a distinctly dark yet decidedly sexy space on the dance floor. Campbell has a full-length in the works for Hyperdub, and as a teaser, we get two new collaborative tracks showcasing a more advanced and nuanced side of the producer than we've heard before.
These tunes may take a bit longer to sink in than previous Cooly G outings, which tended to hit you almost immediately. Clocking in at close to seven minutes, "Landscapes" actually takes much of that time to unfold properly. Where steppin' drum programming and sweeping synth pads have been an endgame for previous (and very good) Cooly G records, here they're just the beginning: like some lost Luomo side, the drums smooth out and the synths animate, providing sultry vocals with quite an expressive accompaniment. If "Landscapes" reveals the development of Campbell's romantic side, "It's Serious" shows off the fancy new plumage she's wearing in her clubby hat. Her drums remain extremely insistent, but there's mystery in the subtle chords she places up top. It's another fine release for Cooly G, and a record that really leaves you wanting more—not a bad thing when there's a whole album's worth on the way.
Tracklist A Landscapes feat. Simbad
B It's Serious feat. Karizma