(Drum & Bass) Intelligent Manners & Command Strange - Joy LP - 2016, MP3, 320 kbps

Rolling Russian soul by way of Brazil: Intelligent Records founder Intelligent Manners and Liquid V fave Command Strange pair-up for a surprise album. The whole adventure is a velvet coated sojourn through Innerground's signature style with highlights lurking around every corner: "Love & Faith" slaps with finesse that's reminiscent of Utah Jazz's early work, "The Real Deal" sparkles with Makoto-style classic organic soul while the darker grizzles of "Mr Cool" and "Stay True" provide balance, edge and depth to the collection. Elsewhere we're hit with a lush loopy jazz workout on "Uptight" while "Early In The Morning" closes the show softly with glistening synths and sweet brushed drums. Joyful.