Blue Daisy - 5/10
'Darker Than Blue' (R&S)
As is often the case with exciting alt-bass producers, Kwesi Darko arrived via Bristol's Black Acre imprint. Over the past five years, his percussively abstract releases as Blue Daisy have explored the synergy between dubstep, soul, grime and hip hop. Switching to the mighty R&S label, the immediate comparison to the North Londoner's second album is to that of Tricky's gloomier output in the late 90s. Heartfelt lullabies backed by rich instrumentation make for a promising enough first half that leads to the dour title track. From here, razor-blade distortion, crashing cymbals and mournful torment combine to create a tough listen, before respite eventually comes in the form of an exhausted outro.
To listen to this audio clip, view the full mobile website.