We are big fans of Samo DJ. As previously commented, he's one of those rare artists who can balance the weird with the accessible. Serious music delivered with a lightness of touch and knowing wit. He's also a keen collaborator, working in the tight-knit Stockholm leftfield club scene and others further afield. He co-ran cult imprint Born Free, has worked with Powder, Baba Stilz and Skudge, and holds things down with his own label, Sattaoja.
'Do Not Resist the Beat' is a new and equally fruitful collaboration, this time with vocalist and DJ Kamo.
Kamohelo Khoaripe is a fellow creative cross-pollinator, moving with artists such as Breaka, Kornel Kovac, Axel Boman, Magnus Larsson, Glen Astro, Savage Skulls and Swick, to name but a few. Samo says of their friendship:
"So Kamo and I got to know one another in Stockholm. Kamo used to live here for a few years but has now moved back to South Africa; when I first met him, I recall he was taking pictures with a camera; I'm not sure if that was a short-lived gig or not. He is the MC of the Swedish techno-pop version of the travelling Wilburys - Off the Meds."
'Do Not Resist the Beat' is ostensibly hip-house, but with this being Samo and Kamo, as well as being a guaranteed club weapon, it also comes with a crafty, slightly dreamy charm. Quirkiness replaces bombast in Kamo's vocal delivery and the kooky melodic elements, partly from a borrowed mellotron. The production is warm and welcoming, with waves of pads gliding you to a deeply satisfying conclusion.
On the flip, we have 'Jazzy Rap', which comes from Samo's formative years: "(This) is a beat I made as a teenager on the MPC 2000 XL; I was a total hip-hop head and got my first computer when I was over 25 years old. Kamo's vocals are about being yourself."
These essential sounds come on a cute seven-inch released by Magnus Dahl's Ört Records. Major tip - grip it or weep later.
