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CMU Approved
Approved: Mr Scruff
By Paul Vig | Published on Thursday 15 May 2014
Andy Carthy, aka Mr Scruff, is back with his new album ‘Friendly Bacteria’ next week, his first studio album since 2008’s ‘Ninja Tuna’, and in Carthy’s own words it’s “tougher, sparser, less samples, more bass [with] more vocals and collaborations and shorter tunes”.
This low end funk guru has certainly not lost his sheen, as is clear as soon as the opening tune ‘Stereo Breath’ hits you with its heavy beats and electro wibbles; after which the album bats through brilliantly for the duration. Funky with some real low end punch, Scruff may be getting close to having completed two decades in music production, but he’s certainly not resting on his laurels.
The album features a series of vocal collaborations with fellow Mancunian Denis Jones, and Carthy even ropes in the legendary Robert Owens for ‘He Don’t’. While elsewhere you’ll find the grossly underrated UK soulstress Vanessa Freeman on lush vocal duties. The solo stuff is great too, with ‘We Are Coming’ being the highlight of the album – a true journey into Carthy’s genial electrofunk.
Scruff will headline an all-dayer at The Roundhouse in London on 31 May – details here – which also features Portico Quartet, Fatima & The Eglo Live Band, Werkha, Alexander Nut and Trevor Jackson.
Now check out Scruff and Jones together in action on the video for ‘Render Me’:
