London based post-dubstep duo of Luca Santucci and Ben Fitzgerald take their name form a classic Northern Soul track from 1967 by The Sheppards (later covered by Ernest Mosley).
Their combination of muted synth and sluggish bass lines means that at times they sound like Massive Attack in slow motion or Burial on tranquillizers.
Drowsy Thom Yorkean vocals add to the general atmosphere of unease giving the effect of a world viewed through a hazy filter.
It is as if the duo are intent on reigning in any inclination to be more joyful or upbeat.
Consequently, their speciality is a kind of dance music for the dejected with doleful, drifting melodies that evoke a sense of urban malaise.
The exception that proves the rule is the centrepiece track and single, Starting Block, with its chopped up, jerky drum'n'bass rhythms.
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This tune also comes in a separate EP release together with three remixes - a funky 128 Yard Dash Mix, an instrumental version and a more subdued 'something new' mix featuring a bonus jazzy piano interlude.
The whole package is too slickly detached to communicate on an emotional level but is effective in the way in which it conveys a vague sense of desperation.
This is the modern world.
Stubborn Heart's website
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