Album Review: Rudimental - Home

26 April 2013 | 3:50 pm | Helen Lear

This is a winning album that’s fun, fast paced and puts a smile on your face from start to end.

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The long awaited debut album from London's underground music collective Rudimental has arrived, bringing back UK garage and drum'n'bass with a fierce new twist. What makes Home really special is that every track on here is as good as, if not better than the big hits they've already released, which is a real treat. A smattering of guest vocalists with their own solid reputations also adds to the appeal, from UK darling Emeli Sande to John Newman and singer-songwriter Alex Clare.

Opener Home boasts strong, proud vocals with a funky R&B beat that's a dead-set winner. Hit singles Feel The Love and Not Giving In, which have played a huge part in their international success, are surely two of the most memorable tracks of the summer. Vocals from John Newman and Alex Clare matched with some addictive drum'n'bass beats are a sure-fire combination. Steel drums welcome Right Here, a garage-inspired track that boasts a great catchy chorus and epic build-up at the end. First track released from the album, Spoons, and newcomer Hide take things down to a chilled pace with some sensually soothing vocals and soft beats.

Love songs More Than Anything and Powerless both pack a solid punch, the latter building from soft piano playing to bouncy drum and bass beats in one fell swoop as guest singer Becky Hill smashes out powerful vocals: “Where do we belong?/How do we search to find?/I'm powerless for your love/I think I'm losing my mind”. Newly released single Waiting All Night, featuring the fierce vocals of Ella Eyre, is pure gold that gets the heart racing before the beautiful gospel tones of Emeli Sande round things off with closer Free. This is a winning album that's fun, fast paced and puts a smile on your face from start to end.