Alabama 3 // Shoplifting 4 Jesus

Alabama 3 have been around for many years and have perfected their career, keeping their cards close to their chests releasing their songs only through their own record label and even going so far as to have them made in their own pressing plant. Howzat. During the summer riots they recorded the various sirens that were heard on the streets in Brixton, where they hail from and they can be heard throughout this album, with its rather controversial cover image. They veer from country to dubstep to drum and bass, all the while cunningly including references to artists gone by (the riff from Smells Like Teen Spirit, the lyrics from a Johnny Cash song) in a very obvious way. Apparantly they care not if there’s blame. Not only that but also we have short readings from Bez and Ray Winstone among others...JUST AMAZING. The heavy beats, the variety of sounds and pace throughout this album are like something I haven’t heard for a long time, something innovative, brave and...dare I say it, fun and unpretentious. Seriously, it almost doesn’t matter what music you’re into, you should give this album at least one listen, if only to appreciate the wit of this subtle soup of styles.

9/10 Lizz Page