GOLD PANDA

The Work (City Slang)

Over six years in the making, Derwin Dicker reaches album number four under his Gold Panda moniker, The Work. He also reaches the upper echelons of electronic producers where they have an immediate and clear sonic identity. As has become his signature sound, there are the chopped and looped found vocal samples (The Corner), the hiss and the crackle (The Dream), and contemplative piano and warped strings (The Want) laced throughout The Work.

We’re mainly talking glitchy cool electronics here, and while there is the odd uptempo track, like I’ve Felt Better (Than I Do Now), there’s nothing as dancefloor-focused as Dicker’s house side project DJ Jenifa (“White shirt, blue jeans, brown shoes!”). Nor does it feature an instant classic such as Brazil, You, or Quitter’s Raga from earlier in his career.

However, The Work is a beautiful, cosy album, that undeniably sounds like a Gold Panda record. Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait another six years to hear what comes next.

words SAM EASTERBROOK