Kora

This is a really great follow on from the 4 track EP, which was released a few years ago. It does not disappoint. I was such a big fan of the EP that I was concerned with the route in which this album could follow. Whilst perhaps not as rootsy as the EP, the sound that Kora have created on this is fantastic. After seeing them perform at Womad I would also strongly recommend seeing them on their UK tour, as the way they build up the crowd is something worth witnessing! Buy this album if you like roots/dub/reggae/world or if you're a fan of great music.

I bought this album on the strength of the wonderful video for Skankenstein, despite not being a massive fan of this type of music, and I'm glad I took the chance. After a wonderfully atmospheric build up intro track, the album deals you an immediate curveball by bouncing gently into Burn. This juxtaposition of styles and rhythms continues throughout the album, from the pounding bass of Skankenstein, to the blues-funk of Time, the rolling heavy rock of Flow, and the instrumental genius of Skoolyard. Inspired use of samples and the fact that the band wear their influences proudly on their sleeves gives this record a huge amount of charm. I look forward to seeing how this band progress throughout their career, and can thoroughly recommend that people buy this album.

I ordered this album after only hearing "On my mind" in New Zealand and it wasn't a wasted purchase.A great album to throw on if you're in the garden on a hot day or on a long drive (although be warned: has tendency to send you into a trance towards the end of the album - so maybe not that great for long distance driving!?) : #Inoffensive and catchy, with a few upbeat tracks. Oh and a wicked Intro track #should have been in Silent Hill!).