Craig Bratley / Return To Bass / Magic Feet

Craig Bratley’s sophomore album has been a little while coming. Titled “Return To Bass”, sonically it, largely, takes his lead from the 2021 single “No In Between”. A magnetic marriage of digi-dub and bluesy sleaze produced in collaboration with with NYC diva Amy Douglas that quickly went on to become a sought after classic. The title track, for example, bumps and grinds to a post-Soul II Soul break. A blend of 90s ethereal pop and digital dons Steely & Clevie, wth an E-ed up aesthetic, but its TB-303 B-line growling, ragga, beneath a bright horn hook and recalling the “Balearic” of The Beloved, Smith & Mighty and Tim Simenon’s techno take on lovers rock. “Ahnedonia” is moody and Massive Attack-esque, with another, bigger, acid work / freak out, while “S.A.W.” is slow, low, raw slightly menacing electro. Roland’s machines, 303 and 808 doing battle to some Jahtari-like robotic skanking. “Plasticine Dub” shakes its stuff on similar sensual, bottom heavy beats. Swells of romantic,…