In 2013, UK producer and recluse King Krule famously responded that “he wasn’t surprised” that Beyonce liked an early single of his. He was 18. This punk eschewing of public opinion resonates deep in the heart of youth, and almost a decade later, this same spirit is captured in the lyricism of Aitch, a grime figure now contending with his place amid those now embracing him.
His recent single, ‘MICE,’ is a stomping yard big enough for him to walk the familiar lines of boast, but Aitch has an earnest quality in his delivery where you start to sense he doesn’t talk big cheaply. The lines are straight enough, but quick and flicker with a flourish of the self-congratulatory flair.
Like the earlier single ‘Taste (Make it Shake),’ the beat for ‘MICE’ is organic and colorful, welcoming a steady mix of bongos and a sampled flute that is abound with its own share of quirky ticks. It’s a jam on its own and Aitch rides alongside it with impressive control.
It’s a signature move to exercise nonchalance while verbally flexing, but Aitch demonstrates the technical skill to play loose and just sound about as interested in his own success as a student spending an hour in afternoon detention. Still, there are pieces of a puzzle that build who Aitch is – and while he’s leveled with listeners in the past, there’s a sense of increasing honesty in his writing as he brandishes lines reflecting on his youth, his family, and his love life. As he continues his craft, these topics may show through more but ‘MICE’ puts them on the table at least.
Giving this cut a spin in the chills of February would feel right at home in any city’s basement show. But as Aitch continues his trajectory and hopefully drops more, expect this track to make its due waves in the heat of the summer ahead.
Words by Luke Deitz.
