Michael J. Blood - As Is

The long-time teased debut from much vaunted DJ, Michael J. Blood, is finally upon us. The few tapes and Introducing compilation Blood has issued over the last few years turn out to be pretty accurate primers for where this debut-proper lands, slightly decayed, analog work-outs that take equal parts Actress and Omar S as their spirit guide and make unashamed gestures towards the floor. Still, this is no basic homage to the recent greats, more evidence that our DJ has put in the hours down the years, displaying a great ear and adept hand for dance/electronic music's multiple mutations - there's traces of all sorts here, eski, footwork, 2 step and even Signature Sound jazz-house. Most impressive is how effortless it all sounds, which also means its easy to take for granted just how accomplished a set this is. One of the rare occasions where the hype might well be justified. You know the drill with this kind of thing - 'sold out at source'/'will not hang around' et al.