Roots Manuva - Bleeds
10/10
If you, like me, are a member of the‘old skool generation, you will remember the good old days when Witness the Fitness was played at every house party and club night. Roots Manuva has always produced those kind of everlasting, classic anthems that everyone knows and everyone loves. Bleeds is no different. If anything it brings an even more raw, heavy and honest vibe. The tracks span from haunting, aggressive, melodic, spiritual, sensual to downright bangers! Lyrically we all know the man is a genius; his commentary on society, politics, striving for success and staying true to what you believe in is perfectly and eloquently delivered over a range of melodic drum beats, beautiful piano loops and big bass lines. It really is difficult to pinpoint the sound because there is such a diverse fusion of the heavier hip hop sound blended with R&B and incredibly soulful overtones. Top track for me is“Hard Bastards; brutal in every sense and incredibly catchy at the same time. Plenty of home truths, spooky back track, an epic bridge with plenty of swearing and a gorgeous sombre chorus to top it all off. This album is bound for classic status.
10/10
