An exorcist would have a field day listening to KU's debut single, ‘Haunted Dancehall’. First, they’d sense the ghosts of Northern Soul nights in Wigan long ago. Before detecting the spectral presence of Nottingham’s finest Whycliffe, who should really be remembered for more than supporting James Brown on a European tour of the Godfather of Soul, along with 'Geno'-era Dexys Midnight Runners.

Deeply dubby to boot, pianist/strummer/vocalist Darragh Jye Brady fronts a collective who he also writes and arranges for. Taken from the forthcoming Saints and Sinners album, which Brady composed whilst recording and mixing various Asian Underground artists over the past 10 years, ‘Haunted Dancehall’ sends a delightful shiver down your back. Before moving your head and feet in much the same way a puppeteer does with a marionette.

There are five versions of the single available on the CD. Four produced by Darragh Jye and Orlando Allen, 'Angel Radio Edit', 'Frontline Dub Edit', 'Westway Dub Edit', and 'Frontline Vocal Edit' capture and then bottle the essence of soul. Alpha X's 'Brick Lane Edit', meanwhile, represents Anglo-Indian fusion at its finest: a chicken tikka massala of a mix.

Searching for the new young soul rebels? Look no further. KU are for you.
(4/5)

Release Date: 27 October 2005

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