Reviewed by T A Sutherland

After the success early in 2004 of the mixtape entitled 'The Pilot Episode', Plattertude Recordings present the debut album from G Force Alliance. G Force are an Anglo-American collaboration that encompass a wide range of sounds with a prominent old school feel, elements of dirty south amongst other influences making for a rich and unpredictable clutch of tunes drawing on many influences to make a thoroughly enticing, thought provoking and refreshingly real album. The talents on offer here are the UK's Richy D, Gideon and Sammy B and the USA's CAS METAH and Tia Stewart. Plenty of old school lazy beats and hook rich numbers feature throughout, peppered with humour as well as razor sharp lyrics, this is without doubt the best (largely) homegrown offering I have heard in a long time, containing at least three classic "forever play" tracks. The cream of the crop for me kicks off with "Usual Suspects", an open mic number with deep sentiments layered with humour and head nodding as standard. This is followed by the intense beat-driven "Sin Killer", laced with eclectic hooks and a strong lick of patois that adds a real freshness to the proceedings. Laid-back beats and melodic hooks give "Stranger In This Town" a lush, all funked up, cruise on by kinda vibe that is again echoed in the eternal yearning of "One Day": "One day I'll finally scope my utmost hope up close." I could go on, there's far too much good stuff here and sadly I have used up all my column inches. A real unusual gem of an album, with surprises around every corner and featuring some crackin' female rappin' (which makes for a refreshing change). I rarely say this, but, if you only buy one rap album this year.......

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