Hailing from the Underwater Records camp, UK production duo Mutiny comes at us with their new artist album. Underwater is a purveyor of some of the most talented and cutting-edge artists in the dance music scene today. With artists on their roster such as Tim Deluxe, Paul Woolford, Paul Jackson, Gus Gus, and the label's patriarch Darren Emerson, "Yada Yada" is the collaboration of house goodness between Dylan Barnes and Rob Davy. This team has been laying down funky rhythms for Miami boat parties and Ibiza sunset sessions since 1996 and this new album is a true testament to that.
This group of twelve originals starts out with the boys telling you to watch "Yaself." This track combines some acid-styled bass with a hint of electro to create quite an eclectic style of house music. It almost crosses the tech-house line, but not all the way. From there the boys move on to "Best Friend" featuring the vocal stylings of Natasha Bryce. The beginning of the song sounds like some demented carnival music. The track is laden with guitar rhythms and even the sound of a sitar (I think). Natasha Bryce's sound is so sultry and sexy that it marries quite well with the Mutiny house style. The third track into this disc is "Do This Thing Together" this time with vocals provided by Loraine Cato. Her vocals are right in front from the beginning with some serious soul power. The Balearic-styled track fits nicely in the overall image that they are trying to put forth with this song. Next up is the first single that was released from this album, "Dem Girls." This ragga-infused track rocks out with the funky vocals of Sweetie Irie. This is what I would call ragga-house, if there is such a thing.
Next up Mutiny is ready to send the listener into "Shock." Natasha Bryce provides the vocal harmony once again for this track. The jazzy percussion is teamed up with wild synth riffs and a funkdified R&B bass line. Further into the disc we come upon "Savoire Faire," where a funky house style comes through with some garage-styled vocals and a very disco feel. Even the synth strings stay with the chill mood that this track exudes. Mutiny brings another vocalist to the table on "Another Day." Amrit Rahi provides some sweet and soothing vocals while Dylan and Rob lace the track with subtle pianos and flowing guitars. These two boys convey that "I Need You" on the next track. This track is lighter and more minimal than the earlier tracks. The constant repetition of the drums and bass takes the listener to a higher place. The track "Oh Yeah" takes residence near the end of the disc. This song is raw and driving. It has more acid bass grooves and crazy voices coming from all over.
Finishing out this piece of house mastery is "Lucky (My Life)," where the soulful vocals of legend Robert Owens are laid over a set of dramatic and powerful strings. It is then teamed up with some light percussion. This is a beautiful way to end a CD. The track is so sexy but it is funky at the same time. Brilliant! If there were any doubt that the artists coming from Underwater Records are spectacular, this album will put those doubt to rest. I declare a Mutiny on dance music!!
