Tru Thoughts continue to release quality future soul and jazz, having now built a solid reputation worldwide, you would think like many other labels in the genre, their output would now be watered down, middle of the road sounds that emanate from trendy bars and cafes in our cities. This, honestly was what I was expecting, so many quality labels have ventured wayward, but Tru Thoughts have great confidence in their roster of artists, never pushing the boundaries into the stratosphere, but they are keeping it interesting.
Hint gained acclaim for his debut in 2003, Portakabin Fever, and a handful of tasty ep’s since. Its taken a while to put this one together, he has covered an eclectic array of styles for this album, with guest vocals from long time collaborator Laura Vane, prodigious teenage MC Rizzle, and label mates Kinny and Rup.
The album meanders through a staggering range of influences, soul, jazz, funk, latin, world rhythms, broken beats, hip-hop, nu-disco, downtempo… a true melting pot of sounds, sometimes working better than other moments, but always holding a focus, and a funky undertone, even in the more mellow tracks. MC Rizzle’s contribution is a standout, a relaxed, humorous flow, not unlike some of our favorite home grown MC’s, the hypnotic horn loops take this to a whole new level. Maybe these grime influenced tracks mark a change in direction, similar to dubstep’s development, heading in a funky direction.
An enjoyable album, never veering to a future-jazz pastiche. Full to the brim with new ideas and sounds, showcasing some very talented vocalists to great effect. Get the Hint, buy the album.
Wayne Stronell
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