Assured debut album
from UK rap's latest flag bearers.
UK rap has come a long
way in the last 20 years. In the late 80's it seemed we were only
capable of stylistically copying our US cousins, whereas now UK rap
would appear to have the upper hand, steadfastly refusing to go down
the gangsta bling dead-end that neuters a lot of rap coming out of
America at the moment. The success of the likes of Plan B, Dizzy
Rascal et al proves that these days we're actually pretty good at
it.
Enter Sound Of Rum with
their ambitious, intelligent, and hugely entertaining brand of
British hip-hop. Fronted by rapper Kate Tempest, who thankfully
steers clear of the kind of braggadocio that is the downfall of many
of her male counterparts. Instead she favours social observation with
compassionate world-view, along with a love of classic literature and
Greek mythology. (Track titles include “Icarus” and
“Prometheus”.) She's definitely someone with something to say and
a unique way of saying it.
The music is pretty
neat too; the band's playing faultless throughout and anything but
formulaic. Ranging in style from laid-back and jazzy, through
break-beat drum and bass grooves, to experimental guitars. Their
sound coming together in the crucible of London's squat party scene.
They have a sound all of their own, worth checking out.
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