Reviewed by Tony Cummings

This is one of the freshest and most imaginative album debut I've encountered for a long time. Emphasize consist of producer Michael Goodlet, rapper Fuse and three other musicians who in their own words "combine urban flavours with a more rock/metal sound." Add to that a touch of jazz guitar on "Incomplete", a snatch of Indian music on "Symbiosis - Love Or Money" and a liberal dash of James Brown funk on several of the other cuts and you have something vital and arresting. Centrepoint are Fuse's raps, taking in subjects like urban emptiness, the love of music and ambivalence delivered with all the laconic confidence of a Dizzee Rascal while Michael's rock bellow over juddering metal riffs is equally impressive. My favourite cuts are the moody "Umbilical Cord" which breaks down into a surreal choral passage and their unique take on Bon Jovi's "Blaze Of Glory" (really!). But whatever track you pick you'll find something cleverly left-of-centre. Let's hope this inventive team stay around for the long haul. They've got originality in abundance.

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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