now plagued with the recurring fact that this lot have been away for nearly eight years (something that will haunt them for every single interview that they ever do), it is indeed the new album from the stereo mc's. thirtreen tracks of wholesome funky grooves that show no signs of the stereo mc's being affected by any massive shifts in club culture. and we should be all the more grateful for it, for despite the justified criticism that this just sounds like more of their last album 'connected', the exuburant energy on display cannot be faulted.
the opening title track and recent single is an early indication that all the elements that made the stereo mc's great the first time round are still there. snarling bass, locked-on grooves and venomous delivery by rob b add up to an infectiously memorable five minutes. 'breeze' adopts the vocoder to a largely instrumental track that is simply funky. 'graffiti pts. 1 and 2' takes the funk blueprint and twists it to their own unique moulding. ultimately danceable, this is the album's highlight.
'sofisicated' begins with "she's so sophisicated, i'm such a loser, she knows how to use me, but I don't wanna lose her" against jazz trumpeting and piano breaks. later tracks up the ante and keep the beats driving while cath coffey's soaring vocals make more of a presence.
very difficult to criticise the south london posse, while some tracks do sound like fillers, even those that do sound better than anybody else. explosive as a live act as well, their upcoming uk tour is compulsory and must not be missed at any cost. without a doubt, the soundtrack of the summer.