Seven Davis Jr
'Universes' (Ninja Tune)
8/10
Seven Davis Jr's path to recognition has been a challenging and tortuous one. The Californian is honest about his lost years battling addiction and these experiences have acted as the artistic impetus for 'Universes'.
Funk, gospel, house and hip hop all rub shoulders, but what knits it all together is soul, especially on wonky neo-spiritual 'Fighters' and 'Everybody's Too Cool' with its Prince-like stomp. Comparisons to Moodymann, Dilla and Theo Parrish have been forthcoming, but Davis Jr's vista spreads wider. The dancefloor moments can be intoxicating – 'Good Vibes' is a pumping Daft Punkish hook-up with Julio Bashmore – but it's on the sweet Afro-pop confessional of 'Be A Man' that Davis Jr shows off his song writing prowess to the fullest.
File under: Searingly soulful house/funk
Download: 'Good Vibes', 'Be A Man'
Like this? Try: Moodymann 'Moodymann'
Mixmag will use the information you provide to send you the Mixmag newsletter using Mailchimp as our marketing platform. You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us. By clicking sign me up you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.