Selection 2

Album Review

Rich soulful jungle music that is actually as fulfilling as the Caribbean inspiration so often attributed to the genre. More Rockers is actually a collective of Bristol-based artists, who, much like well known Bristolians Massive Attack and Tricky, approach the U.K. electronic movement with the sound of their island heritage. The common thread in More Rockers is Rob Smith, (who also records as one half of Smith & Mighty) and Peter D. Rose. And although the two play musical chairs (sometimes writer, sometimes producer, sometimes both or neither) More Rockers maintain a consistent sound throughout. That sound is simple jungle breakbeats flavored with a masterful understanding of the dub sound system roots. The first thing you notice is the bass. A full deep round tone that most electronic producers would kill for. It's that magical sound that feels completely natural, even comforting, yet supernaturally powerful at the same time. Opening track "The Cure" is stamped golden by the sing-along R&B prowess of L.D., and it is followed the toaster's romp of "Million Trillion." The disc progressed into a mixed affair, blending from track to track as they become less catchy and more DJ based. But that doesn't mean it get boring. MCs, rappers, and vocalists still slither though the mix. Nothing on this record is throwaway, as More Rockers come to embody not only the sound of U.K. jungle, but continue to wear their roots on their sleeves.