Dave: The Boy Who Played the Harp review it's clearer than ever what a stunningly skilled rapper he is

"Perhaps more strikingly, it's been two years since he released Split Decision, the collaborative EP with Central Cee that spawned Sprinter: not just the longest-running UK rap No 1 in history, but the track that finally did the thing that it seemed increasingly unlikely a UK rap track would ever do and became a hit in the US, selling a million copies and even winding up on Barack Obama's annual playlist."

"But rather than attempt to capitalise on its US success, as Central Cee did jumping on tracks by big names ranging from J Cole to Ice Spice to Jung Kook from BTS; releasing a debut album that was announced on a live NFL broadcast, featured a plethora of American guest stars and ultimately wound up in the US Top 10 Dave essentially withdrew from music."

"It opens with portentous-sounding organ and a couple of verses that do exactly what you might expect an artist in his position to do: reassert his vast success and wealth he's already a legend, his home apparently comes with a garden the size of Adam and Eve's and a forest but that turns out to be a feint, both musically and lyrically."

Four years separate The Boy Who Played the Harp from the previous solo album and two years follow the Split Decision EP that produced Sprinter. Sprinter became a rare UK rap US hit, selling a million copies and reaching Barack Obama's playlist, while Central Cee pursued US collaborations and mainstream exposure. Dave responded differently by largely withdrawing from music and crafting a subdued third album. The Boy Who Played the Harp emphasizes sparse arrangements, gentle piano, subtle production touches, extended track lengths and restrained vocals, occasionally feinting at ostentation before returning to minimalist, intimate musical choices.

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