- Al Usher's name usually appears alongside Ewan Pearson's (with whom he collaborates as Partial Arts, the duo behind the infectious 'Trauermusik') or encased in parentheses as a remixer for Zero 7, Camille and Amy Winehouse among others. So when Mr. Usher steps out on his own, as he has on the Gnanfou EP, it's usually an event worth the cost of admission. This debut release on Misericord—a joint venture between Pearson, Sasse and unnamed others—is indeed a momentous occasion, containing two groove-heavy originals and a remix by seasoned veterans Swag.
The title cut moves at an unhurried, near-Balearic pace with instrumentation to match—drowsy cowbells, a reverberating synth line, effortless guitar leads and distorted bass thwacks. Usher keeps the formula interesting with ethereal melodies that drift in and out of the mix, evoking a hazy disco with ghosts on the guestlist.
Swag’s dub hollows out the track and focuses on the synth line, which plays anchor to similarly-styled guitar and bass licks. It's a bit friendlier for mixing, but lacks the narcotic charm of the original.
Slyly tucked away in B2 is 'Here Today', a secret weapon track if I've ever heard one. Two layers of pulsating string arrangements and spastic woodblock pocks form a dizzying rhythmic assault that boils over at the arrival of a fat bottomed bassline. Usher's blend of high-minded, ornate construction and ass-centered riffs is certain to put a euphoric sway in dancers' step, and has been road-tested by Lindstrom and Prins Thomas on their Radio 1 Essential Mix.
The Gnanfou EP and its stand out, 'Here Today', make me wish Al Usher would put out solo records more than once a blue moon. Another Misericord release would be appreciated too. Hook it up, Ewan!
TracklistA Gnanfou
B1 Gnanfou (Swag's Gnanby Dub)
B2 Here Today