I try to avoid regurgitating press releases in my reviews, but this is unavoidable as the only sensible way of describing the debut single from forthcoming album Slime And Reason is 'Sheffield dancehall'. Not that that's a very helpful description; Buff Nuff isn't Arctic Monkeys meets Yellowman
What it is however, is two minutes of jumpy, ridiculous fun. There is a definite throwback to the hazy dub visions of Run Come Save Me's fare such as Kicking the Cack. Buff Nuff is less blurry and more obviously tongue-in-cheek than some of Mr Manuva's earlier work. The speed-garage infusions are infectious, it doesn't matter that the track's lyrics are virtually indecipherable.
Unfortunately for a single that has delusions about becoming a summer anthem Buff Nuff's fatal flaw is that it is the track for no occasions. Too imposing to provide the backdrop to a barbecue or a chillout session, but too light-hearted to be a floor-filler. Unless you're a Roots Manuva fan, in which case you'll already be licking your lips in anticipation of Awfully Deep's follow up. Buff Nuff might just make you dribble.
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