CRAVO - Carícia 002
The sound taking over the underground as of late is hard groove, a high-energy percussion-and-sub-focused style that's a perfect fit for the club. Hard groove has a similar stylisation to drum and bass, especially that of LTJ Bukem, where groovy sub frequencies ride along, minimal yet chaotic because of sequences, and, in that classic LTJ Bukem style, some of the best come with a sprinkling of soulful synthesis or cool vocal chop.
An absolutely phenomenal example of this sexy, hard-groove sound comes from Cravo, whose latest EP, Carícia 002, builds on these elements. From the outset, there's a rugged Reliance on in-your-face guitar, to the floor-stomping kicks mixed with the dulcet piano and walking bass of jazz on 'MY FINGERS' or 'SNEAKY SLAP'. One of the standout qualities of both of these tracks is their shared diversity. They feel welcome all over the musical spectrum, from your house rave to something more Detroit techno. It's the tight loops created by CRAVO within the percussion and bass that allow for more creative flair to be on display with the vocals and piano.
CRAVO shows diversity in his inspiration, emulating Floorplan's 100mph gospel sound on 'THIS WORLD' as CRAVO switches the uplifting messages for something more atmospheric and soulful. Not content to stop there, CRAVO demonstrates a silky German understanding with a hearty rendition of Sheds' recognisable chuggy, filtered house style, which seems to trip over itself but remains so locked in on the track 'LEFT FIELD'. And while these are excellent emulations of style, I fear they borrow too much. While these tracks are great examples of production skill, they leave me wanting something more original.
Now, originality is just what we get with CRAVO's classic call-and-response chords on the dubbed-out 'TAN HER' and 'LOW ORBIT'. The former knuckles down with some peak-time Tom-laden big beats that are exciting and subtly aggressive. It has enough to hold its own at peak, with a barrage of high hats and an accentuated clap that cuts through the mix. The latter, however, is where CRAVO really opens up. The track is slightly brooding yet with enough quirks to stand out. It's a bit headier with fewer frills, but the atmospheric stabs give you a totally different dimension to play with. Garage-inspired percussion and minimal, gloomy synths make this cut a particular favourite.
Label: Carícia Records (2025)
CRAVO - Carícia 002
