Norwich-based producer Scotty.A continues to impress with his first appearance on Proton, following the full release of his Cattaneo-supported ‘What Makes Us Smile’ on Particles earlier this year. Title track ‘The World Turns and We Turn With It’ takes us into deeper, housier territory, while ‘Nothing As It Seems’ sits unapologetically in the progressive camp.
‘The World Turns…’ offers a laid-back, melodic take on deep house. Scott quickly introduces a gentle rising melody that runs through the whole track, offsetting this against a subtle but groovy bass and swinging percussion. The breakdown halfway through introduces even dreamier, atmospheric sounds that swirl around until the track gradually winds down. It’s just lovely.
‘Nothing As It Seems’ is much more in keeping with the sound we’ve come to expect from Scotty.A, though it’s easily one of the best examples of his work so far. It lifts off with a kickdrum and insistent bleeps, immediately suggesting a much greater urgency than ‘The World Turns…’. The track really delivers on this early promise, building with nice chord changes and washes of trippy synths for a huge finale. This is one of my favourite tracks of the year so far, no question.
It’s great to hear Scotty.A really hitting his stride after a fantastic run of EPs last year on Axon, Electronic Elements and DAR, and this is yet another really strong release from Proton. I’m left hoping this won’t be the last joint venture between them.
8.5/10
