June: 9 dubstep & grime releases you need to hear this month

Slackk 'A Little Light' (R&S)

‘A Little Light’ might not be a conventional coming-of-age record, particularly for a producer who’s already released an excellent LP and several EPs. But for Slackk, it might inadvertently turn out to be just that. Having long operated on the peripheries of instrumental grime, ‘A Little Light’ feels like a sound realised after years of honing. From the dreamy melodies of ‘Spring Mist’ to the contorted grime of ‘Desert Eagle’, it’s all indisputably Slackk. He plays with textures, patterns and tempos, referencing his house, grime and even classic UK funky influences on standout ‘Old Petchy Shows’. But despite all the switch-ups, it never feels overdone. It’s emotional in parts too, particularly on the abstract r’n’b of ‘Zip Me Up’ and lullaby ‘So Far, The Sea’. A brilliant album from a producer who should get more credit.

9/10