Larry Gus - Silent Congas

Some ten years on from its initial inception, NYC label DFA is still putting out some of the most groovy and fun music around. Having ditched the ‘dance punk’ tag that haunted their earlier releases a long, long time ago, their output over the last couple of years has included everything from minimal house to art-disco reissues.

‘Silent Congas’ is their newest release, coming courtesy of Greek musician Larry Gus, and is yet more new territory for the label. Essentially a sample project built around slow grooves, wailing guitars and free-wheeling, jazzy psychedelics, the music is clearly busy – the layers coming packed as tightly as a classic J Dilla production – but it’s held together by its frantic energy and boisterousness. If I had to pick a favourite, it’d be Her Arm Held High, striking the perfect balancing act between an unbelievably infectious groove and a glorious sense of offness, but the whole thing is worthy of your time. Best of all, it’s a free download. Whether this is due to the kindness of DFA and Larry Gus or due to the possible dubious legality of some of the samples is not certain, but when it’s this good, it’s best not to question it.