This is My Home is the debut solo release for Melbourne-based Lanu, real name Lance Ferguson. When he’s not making music by himself, he’s playing in deep-funk group the Bamboos, who gained notoriety for their live shows (and who’s track Step it Up was used on the TV series Grey’s Anatomy).

Lanu is joined on the album by a number if guests ranging from label mates Quantic to band members from the Bamboos. The album is released on UK label Tru-Thoughts, who specialise in the combination of genres including jazz, breaks, hip hop, soul and funk.

Whereas in his ‘day’ job Lanu is in a funk band, This Is My Home is not a funk album, although as you would expect the influence of this music can be heard throughout the album, aloong with some flavors of soul, breakbeat and jazz.

The first single from the album Dis-Information is an upbeat number with a persistent break beat, and a strong chorus of vocals made up of Lanu himself, Karl Wagner and Christin Deralas.

One of my favorite tracks of the release is Mother Earth, a track that features Quantic and Aloe Blacc. Whilst the bass is reminiscent of tribal rhythms, the strong vocals also echo this, building into a piece of music that you just can’t help but nod along to. Both of these tracks have meaningful lyrics, proving that it’s not always just about the quality sounds.

There’s a great mix of slower tunes and more upbeat tracks on the release, thus making it quite an adaptable listening choice: you could put it on in the afternoon and chill out, or equally enjoy it later at night. One of the slower, smoother tunes is the final album track, Let you Glow, with smoking vocals from Christin Deralas.
Also included on the album are two bonus tracks, Beachcomber, and _Beijo do Sol, both flowing and cruisey tracks that are OK to listen to on headphones but would equally fill a dance floor.

I found this a really easy album to get into, and each time I listened to it I found something more to like. Its one of those albums that sounds really laid back and simple, yet there is a lot of depth in the tracks. The music is warm and inviting, and overall the whole album is just a celebration of great music.