Scratcha DVA is back on Hyperdub for the second time this year. On the lead track here, ‘Just Vybe’, he’s borrowed Fatima from Eglo Records to grace the tune with her distinctive vocals. ‘Just Vybe’ is a very “pop” moment for Hyperdub.
It combines the stuttering funky drums of ‘Natty’ - DVA’s previous release for the label - as it’s template, and adds a big synthy melody of the kind Stevie Wonder would be proud of, plus Fatima’s rich, melodic and reflective lyrics.
The retro musical depth plus Fatima’s soulful voice combine in an unexpectedly fresh and unusual way with the abstract house of DVA’s tough dancefloor production. ‘Step 2 Funk’ on the B side is nocturnal and moody, with dark “heads down” kicks and toms and lightning strike snares, with the single word ‘funky’ repeated throughout to hypnotic effect.
It’s dreamy widescreen quality opens out as fx and abstract melodies weave in and out and drop off into wormholes.