On a list dominated by sophomores and veterans, it’s a relief to see a new act make it in – and one with such a refreshing take on an established sound, no less.

Whereas dub music often wanders through a haze of reverb and riddims, Darla Smoking successfully avoids monotony. In part by carefully curating folky samples from all over the world that imbue the songs with maturity, tradition and a dash of mysticism, and in part through the pounding percussion wizardry that boosts the songs’ power organically.

Light one up, turn up the volume and see where the duo’s debut takes you. Bugging is a must! (Daniel Sheppard)

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Stream “Big Bug” on Bandcamp.