Reviewed by Tony Cummings

This debut EP definitely puts the Bath-based rapper, poet and record label owner (Joshua runs the Orphan No More indie label) on the map. It secured a top 10 position in the international iTunes hip-hop/rap chart and it's a hugely impressive piece of work. Joshua recorded the six songs here during his final year at university and "Carry Me", an eloquent confessional underpinned by the sung hook "I've been walking in the wrong direction", is particularly strong. In an interview Joshua spoke about how we all have a lot of wounds and that "once we take ownership of them they become scars and when they become scars you can touch them and they don't hurt anymore." From the powerful opener "Jack Of Spades" to the emotionally-charged "Broken Things" this theme of hurt and healing comes through loud and clear and Joshua's flows never resort to the simplistic sloganeering that sometimes drag down gospel rap emcees. The production, dominated by haunting piano chords, is always effective and never reaches anything too flash. A fine debut from an erudite wordsmith who will surely be around for the long haul.

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