Caroline Sullivan 

Toddla T: Watch Me Dance – review

Toddla T's second album mostly sticks to the jumpy, bass-heavy style of his first, but adds moments of soulful reflection, writes Caroline Sullivan
  
  


"You know what time it is every time me and Toddla link up? Straight-up party-animal business!" bawls guest Roots Manuva at the end of the title track, capturing the essence of Sheffield producer Toddla T's second album. It's a raucous affair that mainly sticks with the jumpy dancehall/bassline sound of his first, but also includes moments of prettily soulful reflection. A parade of vocalists make sure to give Toddla props ("Toddla T has badman flu!" screeches Serocee on the hugely enjoyable ragga workout Badman Flu), and generally sound as if they're having the party of their lives. Of the more thoughtful tracks – which give the album its heft – a resurgent Ms Dynamite is beautifully wistful on Fly, while Streets So Warm is especially apposite at the moment – it features dancehall toaster Wayne Marshall mournfully asking: "Police murder charge/ Who is to be trusted?/ Is it the witness or the sarge?"

 

Leave a Comment

Required fields are marked *

*

*