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Brixton-based producer, singer, songwriter and DJ, Merrissa Campbell is the first woman of iconic electronic record label, Hyperdub. Discovered in clubs playing 2-step garage and grimy tribal sounds, evolving her emotional and intense music from deep house to R&B and a master of international vibes, Cooly G is a true pioneer of irreverent production. Now braving fresh territories—rapping and writing reggae-licked lullabies—Cooly's sophomore LP, Wait Til' Night, is a game changer in terms of prevalent musical trends. Side stepping the current to pave brave new, off-kilter soundscapes, this smokey, pulse-raising offering is real standout.
Staying true to her already well-established club roots, the 12-tracker weaves illicit street night tales. Experimenting with reggae, slow jams and broken synths—moving like an affair played out between two lovers travelling slowly and tentatively though the night—each track moves progressively like shadows passed down an alley, with whiskey-soaked whispers hushed with intentions of deceit, tease, and unravel. Maturing herself from tribal house DJ to provocative and pioneering songwriter and performer, Cooly's unapologetic and confident womanly wiles distinguish Wait Til' Night distinctly from 2012's debut album, Playin' Me.
Her sound now, is straight-up sex music. Love isn't Cooly's main message here, though, as brazenly demonstrated on "Fuck With You". Playing out like tales experienced through some intense sexual enlightenment, the most captivating facets of the LP are the honest and simple depictions of tender moments experienced in the throws of high lust. "My energy is rising/ When you call me, I cant stop smiling/ I keep thinking of you and what your gonna do, when you come over and kiss me all over" she writhes on "Want". Stepping back from the sensationalist, porn-star-perfect depictions of plastic femininity prevalent in the media, Cooly G's intrigue comes in the form of her identity, or lack of it. A voice with no overly known persona, her mystery plays out like a tempting spiral of smoke weaving mystical patterns.
Her sense of mystery here allows for bolder lyrical exploration: she's into voyeurism ("Dancing"), big lads ("So Deep"), dominating ("I Like") and has some wild fantasies she ain't afraid to play out on whoever she desires ("Quick Question"). Typifying the albums instrumentals, bass, guitasrs, varied synths, and loop-pedalled, rhythm-distorted snare drums underlay her sensually purred and spoken vocal. Stepping up the pace on standout track "3 Of Us" Melissa reveals her impressive rap skills, retelling hard-learned times experienced—casting off an absent baby father in a double-time flow.
This new material marks a new age for the more electronically associated artist. Cooly G wants to now be known as an artist, not just another faceless producer or DJ. Solidifying her rightful new place at the helm of irreverent songwriting, Wait Til' Night levels her skills parallel to fellow Hyperdub stars, Jessy Lanza and Dean Blunt. Sensual, smooth and progressive, moving from house to trance with tinges of dark R&B and tech, this set introduces a more stylistically cohesive sound for the south London lass. So grab someone you fancy, and get your shuffle on.
