Reviewed by Steve Hayes

Souls Rest are a duo originally hailing from Liverpool but now plying their trade in Vancouver, Canada. Consisting of producer and DJ Philarmonic and MC The Rawface. In 'extra.ordinary.love' they bring a musically diverse album (serious nods to Mars Ill, The Roots and others), fusing hip-hop, near electronica ("Weak Make Heroes"), jazz elements ("Grace"), turntablism ("Don't Mess With Phil") and pop flavourings ("Forget Me Not"). This is instantly apparent from the lead track, "Emergency" with The Rawface singing and rapping, a pattern that is repeated to differing levels through the album, through to the penultimate "Memory Lane" which, like other tracks, starts with song before dropping some rhymes. Throughout, the turntable and production skills flourish with some incredibly tight beats inspired by some serious digging, scratching and musical changes ("Freedom"). The Rawface has a flow that mixes both a hip-hop and a "UK" flow. It's a fusion that really works, especially when he mixes rap and sings "Sorry I Spoke". Beats feel hand-crafted and when Rawface smoothly glides over the top, it's a potent mix, "Sweet Heart" and "Love" among others. We end with the brilliant "Peel It Back" hip-hop as The Rawface drops an impassioned rap, "It's time to step out and let the fire blaze". In parts this album really flies and I for one highly respect Souls Rest for pushing the boundaries and exploring new avenues of hip-hop and production.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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