Reviewed by Steve Hayes

Vancouver-based trio Souls Rest consist of A.son, DJ Philamonic and recent member, abide.n. This is their first album as a trio. If you ever think hip-hop has lost touch with its roots, you would do well to look to artists like Souls Rest who will refresh you with a track like "Soul Food" where digging, scratching, creative emceeing and a "touch of grace and a cup of tenacity" make for an exhilarating sound. The trio show a holistic approach to hip-hop, fusing UK and Canadian influences on "My Two Cents" while throughout there's more than a touch of jazz with delicate piano and some jazzy brass parts. Some extra freshness is sprinkled in with the vocals and emcee talents of Ashleigh Eymann on "Verbal Exhibition" before rolling into the funky old skool grooves of "The Catalyst" as Souls Rest brush the lyrical canvas. A truly outstanding set from one of the most inventive hip-hop acts around.

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