Afterworldgroove EP by Groovy D

Shall Not Fade’s Time Is Now series continues to showcase the cutting edge of breaks and bass oriented club music. This time they introduce Groovy D; this new solo project of one third of Sheffield-based trio Denham Audio curates a totally fresh take on garage which is soulful, unique and genre-defying.

Afterworld Groove EP features female vocalists and a collaboration with Time Is Now regular Interplanetary Criminal; vocal heavy tracks are a highlight of the record, taking the garage sound away from the confines of the club. ‘Outta Control’ is one of these tracks; Emma Cannon’s vocals walk the edge between soulful and mournful, contrasting the wild breakbeats and deep, dirty bass. The title track uses housey intoned keys; this is daytime garage, made for summer parties. Taking influence from his Sheffield home, ‘Keep Movin’ On’ has a classic bassline sound palette, cheeky stabbing synths and hyperactive breaks. ‘Project Zeus’ opens the B-side: stutters of snare and punching bass are broken through with a classic, uncontrollable bassline; the tongue-in-cheek sample that forms the drop will undoubtedly bring a smile to British fans. More minimalist B2 ‘Timeless’ is a chorus of bubbling ear candy until the rolling sub bass looms into a deep, headsy climax. Manchester’s Interplanetary Criminal joins to close the EP; with vocals from Anna Straker, ‘Higher’ takes a genre-spanning approach in hazey garage percs and soaring pads. The tempo is down, and misty, romantic sax forms the backbone.

Afterworldgroove EP drops June 11th via Time Is Now

Groovy D is the new alias of DJ & producer Jon Coxhead, one of the much respected founding members of Denham Audio.

The focus of his solo endeavour is on pushing the envelope of modern UKG, referencing the glorious past of this sound as much blurring boundaries and looking ahead onto new stylistic directions.