Cantabrigian soul-slinger Hugh Hardie is back with a 5-track EP jam-packed full of some of his sharpest cuts in recent years, following his acclaimed third studio album Juicebox, released in Summer 2023. Teaming up with talented vocalists TomInTheChamber and India Shan, he demonstrates the breadth and depth of his production prowess across 5 diverse tracks, each with their own unique flavour. We invite you to come to the dark side this Autumn, we’ve even got stars!

Opening track ‘Brawler’ combines a gritty, evolving bassline with punishing drums and an infectious groove. This latest single from the production-powerhouse delivers raw energy & funk and is most definitely designed with the DJ in mind. ‘Yuzu’ delivers the sort of aurally sharp poise that the track title suggests, fit to burst with uplifting pads, zesty drums and flowing fills that befit the serious sonic stature Hugh’s name has become synonymous with. The drop holds raucous, rippling synths and burgeoning bass in wait, which are only complemented by playfully-cut vocal phrases and pithy processing to match.

‘Darkstar’ opens with heavily filtered hats and an ominous soundscape, giving way to TomInTheChamber’s vivid writing and signature flow. The drop unleashes powerful drums alongside a twisted and gnarly bass-face-inducing bassline that will keep you in the dark as to where it’s going next. The build to the second drop is tense, before even more dark and guttural tones envelope the track, rolling out to a vinyl brake type closure. ‘Sweet Talk’ features India Shan, and delivers feel-good RNB energy, across a sultry liquid landscape. Her nostalgic writing and smooth tone sit perfectly at home atop Hugh’s luscious composition, rounding off the EP nicely.

Final call ‘Followers’ is a chugging, triplet-heavy dancefloor decimator, awash with grotesque bass tones and clinical vocals. On the second drop, there’s no let up in the aural assault from the bassline and we’re treated to punchy, progressive percussion, showcasing plenty of high-energy bongo hits, adding even more flavour to the mix. Seven months in the making, we present to you Hugh Hardie’s fifth extended player, showcasing a darker side to his sound while equally demonstrating his solid fundamentals in the realm of the light too. Available in all good stores, and on 12” black vinyl from December 2024.

Released 8th November 2024 on Soulvent Records.

H/T Soulvent Records.