Since coming to notice as Julio Bashmore in 2009, Bristol producer and DJ Matt Walker has released a number of high-impact singles, including 2012 Ibiza floorfiller Au Sève, but it’s taken him until now to deliver his debut album. His reticence is understandable – house music often marries unhappily with the album format – but this diverse, engaging and immensely likable collection plays at least as well on headphones as on the dancefloor. It opens with a feelgood blast – the soulful title track – and maintains a euphoric energy throughout even when the mood darkens (on Umuntu) or gets silly (Bark). Its success owes much to well-chosen guest vocalists, ranging from Durban rapper Okmalumkoolkat to rising soul talent Sam Dew, superb on Holding On.
