Ikonika

Hyperdub OG Ikonika returned earlier this year, delivering her first full-length since 2013’s Aerotropolis.

Broadening her gaze from the post-dubstep mutations which defined her debut and the wonky, synth-led electronics which percolated through on Aerotropolis, this year’s Distractions is a future-facing, sleek suite of RnB deconstructions which teleports from left-field funky to glitchy grime without ever losing groove.

Testament to the broad, futuristic palette which formed the fabric of Distractions, Ikonika makes her debut in the Crack Magazine mix series with a dizzying joyride through robust kuduro, syrupy UKG, spacious funky and blissed out grime. Her focus on RnB sounds from the last 12 months is demonstrated with a supercharged rework of Down 4 Whatever – a bassy collaboration between producer Kingdom and 2017 hero SZA from Kingdom’s Tears in the Club LP.

Demonstrating Ikonika’s evocative touch and sensitivity to mood, the final two minutes shift from grimy bleeps and spongy squelches to calm pads. It’s a trip worth getting lost in courtesy of an artist who continues to discover through creation.

Oral Suspension by Ikonika is out now via Don’t Be Afraid. She plays The Love Inn, Bristol on 9 December.