Giggs sets the tone on opener 'One For The Books'
Sammy Virji’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable, and Same Day Cleaning arrives as the defining statement of his career so far.
The British Asian DJ has built a reputation for injecting joy and energy into every set, and his second album captures that same spirit across 16 tracks.
His second album comes at a time when UK Garage is coming back into the mainstream.
Stacked with heavyweight collaborations, Same Day Cleaning feels like a celebration of UK club culture while also signalling where it could head next.
There are moments of pure brilliance, some crowd-ready missteps, and plenty of reasons to pay attention.
For those wondering if the hype is deserved, this album provides a clear answer.
Collaborations That Define the Record
Virji has always thrived when working with others, and this album leans into that strength.
Giggs sets the tone on opener ‘One For The Books’, his laid-back delivery offset by jazzy horns that bring unexpected brightness.
Skepta’s appearance on ‘Cops & Robbers‘ adds grit and swagger, while Chris Lake pushes ‘925’ into big-room club territory, even if the track’s tech-house leanings might divide opinion.
Long-time UK Garage pioneers are represented too, with MJ Cole on ‘Doctor’ and Tuff Jam on ‘Up & Down’, both bridging the old-school with Virji’s modern sound.
Rising names like salute and 33 Below keep things fresh, while vocalists such as Issey Cross and Flowdan bring contrasting textures.
For Virji, a British Asian artist, these collaborations show how comfortably he moves across different corners of UK music, reflecting the multicultural fabric that has always defined the garage scene.
Production & Musicality
What sets Sammy Virji apart is his instinct for melody and texture, and that’s evident throughout.
‘Burn the River’ stands out with chopped vocals and a delicate flute solo that dances across crisp garage drums.
‘Up & Down’ captures the warmth of classic garage while pushing forward with bright chords and playful basslines.
On the darker end, ‘Dis Badman’ with IRAH and Champion twists sitar riffs into a warped, almost cartoonish club weapon.
It’s subtle moments like this, drawing on sounds that nod to his heritage while staying firmly rooted in UK club culture, that underline Virji’s individuality.
Even at its most bass-heavy, the record carries a melodic thread that gives it character and replay value, reflecting a producer with both depth and personality.
Highs, Lows, and Staying Power
Sixteen tracks make for an ambitious tracklist, and while many moments shine, not everything sticks.
‘Nostalgia’, featuring Issey Cross, feels too close to formulaic trance-pop, and the closing track ‘Until Tomorrow’ doesn’t land as the dramatic finale it aims to be.
These dips, however, are minor compared to the overall consistency.
Festival-ready anthems sit comfortably alongside more intricate productions, making the record versatile across both dancefloors and personal listening.
Virji doesn’t reinvent his sound here, but he refines it and proves he can sustain momentum across a long project.
For British Asian fans, his success also carries a cultural resonance: seeing one of their own at the forefront of UK Garage affirms that this scene, once niche and underground, is now more inclusive and representative.
Same Day Cleaning confirms Sammy Virji’s place at the centre of UK Garage’s new era.
It shows a producer confident in his sound, skilled at bringing together different voices, and capable of delivering both high-energy club tracks and melodic standouts.
While not flawless, the record’s strengths far outweigh its shortcomings, and its range of collaborations ensures wide appeal.
Sammy Virji’s journey from underground sets to festival stages is more than a personal victory; it’s a signal of how British Asian talent is increasingly shaping the sound of UK club culture.
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