The London-based producer returns to Hyperdub to explore his hybridisation of South African and UK dance music, taking it in evermore exciting directions.
“Flex” is the second single of Scratcha DVA (alias Scratchclart)’s upcoming project Afrotek EP, hugely influenced by South African genres gqom and amapiano. The visuals of the song perfectly translate its heavy sonic atmosphere, embellished by upcoming vocalist and producer from Baltimore :3LON. Their smooth delivery of aggressive lyrics compliments Scratchclart’s moody Amapiano-influenced production perfectly, and the video, shot in Baltimore, intensifies the whole experience. Driving a lit-up futuristic car, :3LON crosses his nearly deserted city with two acolytes, stopping only at what seems to be a punk alternative party.
On the EP, “Flex” is followed by the spirited “Bless The Earth” featuring Nottingham MC Mez, and by the dreamy instrumental “Sleeper” which sees Scratchclart building the mood with droning notes and woozy, rippling chords. The EP ends with the already available “Afrotek”, a collaboration with South African producer Mxshi Mo from Pietermaritzburg. This title track is a dark creeper that slowly builds seesawing gqom influenced call and response rhythms, sustaining a wonkiness which will have dancers tripping over their feet. For Scratcha DVA, who has been familiar with South African music for the past ten years, Afrotek EP might be the peak release so far from a run of brilliant collaborative EPs with Hyperdub.
Afrotek EP, out on September on Hyperdub.
Listen to “Flex” in our afro + club playlist on Spotify and Deezer.
