You’ve got to love the ever evolving thing that is drum and bass. Nowadays it’s commonplace for artists to borrow elements from just about every genre out there, from Latin music, to Jazz and even rock. Craggz and Parallel Forces (CPF) have continued to push the envelope when it comes to what drum and bass is with their album, ‘Northern Soul’. Northern Soul itself was a musical movement that took off in Northern England in the late 70s, and it’s not surprising to learn that two out of the three members of CPF hale from the north of England (Newcastle to be exact). This album comes in two parts; the first, the album disc, and the second a live in the studio recording of some album tracks. This should immediately alert you to the fact that this is not your regular studio release.

The most enjoyable thing about this album it is a mash of styles, put together in easily accessible format. You wouldn’t say that this is a pure drum and bass album. Purveyors of the liquid style should be familiar with the tracks ‘Love Insane’, and ‘Dusk’, add ‘Keep Me Real’ featuring enegergetic vocals from Eliza Lawson to a mix and you’ve got a dance floor filled! ‘Different Universe’ features one of the warmest and most recognisable voices in drum and bass today, MC Stamina, and it’s a track that’s got a definite soul/funk feel. However the centerpiece of the album is ‘No More Tears’, featuring Deeizm, a brooding track that lets loose with great intensity thanks to the impressive vocals; however, it seems to end too soon! ‘Your Isolation’ is an interesting fusion of rock with vocals from James Hadfield (another Newcastle local), the tight conclusion of this track demonstrates some quality musicianship.

The ‘live’ in the studio disc is an interesting idea; however it’s not hugely different to the studio tracks. Perhaps a live recording in a club atmosphere would have better impact, and compliment the studio tracks better. While I did enjoy the album, it seemed to lack some depth, I would have liked to hear the tunes relying less on big bass sounds, but this is a record released on Valve, so there’s that suggestion out! The album’s strongest point for me is the crossover between genres and the way they all sit together well on this album. This is a debut release for CPF and it’s a very impressive step into the arena.