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REVIEW: The Group - Summer Is Calling [Ninja Tune]



'the group’ is a new floating collective formed by Matt Black, co-founder of Coldcut and Ninja Tune. It is his first music outside of Coldcut in 17 years. Summer Is Calling, their first release, has vocals from Tubatsi Moloi and Sax from Tamar Osborn. Both featured on the recent Keleketla! project produced by Coldcut and which achieved a 'Universal Acclaim' rating on Metacritic. Electronic artist and vocalist ill-esha also lends her talents along with Bristol piano virtuoso Silvertortoise and London producer Rhythm Love.


"Summer is Calling" is inspired by classic uplifting soul and house like Al Green ‘Take Me to the River’, Joe Smooth ‘Promised Land’ and even Coldcut produced YazzThe Only Way is Up’. It is a love song but not about romantic love, more about the love of friends and freedom. Inspired by the yearning to be with our friends and family IRL and the hope that Summer, a season for manifestation and celebration, will be that time.


The artwork is a lithograph entitled ‘Summer’s Eye’ by Matt Black’s late father Stephen Cohn, modified for this remix release.



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