Right from the jump, Cat & Mouse by Carδamo goes to prove itself to be one of the biggest bangers of the year. The beat locks you in with a warm, rolling bassline paired with shuffled house rhythms, and just enough space for shimmering synth pads to weave in and out, giving the whole thing a dreamlike quality. Just as you’re settling into the groove, elements of UK grime go on full display and hard to boot. It’s house music. But it’s also grime. And it’s also very, very inspired by Jamie XX. And it absolutely slaps.
Cat & Mouse is something in between—hypnotic, pulsing, and just raw enough to keep you hooked. What sets this track apart is its grime influence. The percussion is sharp and skittish, with syncopated hi-hats and rolling snares that sound like classic Wiley or something from early Skepta releases.
And let’s talk about the Jamie XX influence, because it’s there. The way the track never quite drops but keeps evolving instead. It’s the kind of production that makes you want to close your eyes and just be in the moment. It comes in colour and in waves.
Carδamo has essentially made a fresh take on the best sounds of UK’s electronic scene and you know what’s the best part? This is just the start. With more releases on the way, including a whole mixtape lined up for autumn, Carδamo is making a run for something bigger. And if Cat & Mouse is any indication? They’re going to get there.
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About the Author
A tenured media critic known working as a ghost writer, freelance critic for publications in the US and former lead writer of Atop The Treehouse. Reviews music, film and TV shows for media aggregators.
