With ‘Curve 1’ Mura Masa (also known as Guernsey-born producer Alex Crossan) has embraced change. As well as being his first release on his own Pond Recordings label it’s also a departure from earlier pop-leaning works, ambitiously broadening horizons while focusing less heavily on high-profile features.
Whenever I Want sets the tone for an eclectic, hazy record that repeatedly transports you to the middle of a sweaty dance floor at 3am. The ensuing Gimme keeps the party going, punctuating its repetitive core with pulsating bass and drums.
The high-octane We Are Making Out, meanwhile, features vocals from Singaporean singer-songwriter Yeule, who previously worked with Crossan on her 2023 album ‘Softscars’.
While the song starts off in keeping with the album’s thumping sound it eventually veers into a silky acoustic guitar outro.
This more muted, pillowy feel continues through Shuf (Adore U), where soft vocals are laid over an infectious beat that’s nostalgic for the meeting of R&B and UK garage at the turn of the millennium.
But ‘Curve 1’ also shows that Crossan is happy to get deep into the weeds. Several of the songs here sprawl beyond six minutes, with the closer Fly breaking the tape at nine minutes and 24 seconds. Despite its length, it’s anything but boring. The vocals, from American R&B group Cherish, give it timeless throwback appeal and the backing is vibrantly energetic. It’s the perfect full stop on a triumphantly fun, gritty dance album.
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