“Everything must change, nothing stays the same….” These words from The Herd’s last album seem even more fitting now. Never the ones to be caught standing still, the continuous musical evolution of this collective rings loudly in their latest offering Future Shade.

Having two of this county’s most respected MCs in the band is always going to have people expecting a hip hop heavy record. That certainly was the case with their earlier work. But over the course of their now 10 year tenure, that original sound has grown to encapsulate a wide and eclectic range of styles. Future Shade sees the Herd pushing their evolutionary envelope further than they have before, delivering music that may come as a surprise to some. In many ways, though, this is their most mature release yet.

Something The Herd have delivered well on almost all of their past records has been their biographical excerpts. As it should be, their early lives are a constant source of inspiration lyrically for the group. This is not something that has fallen to the way-side on Future Shade. This time out they come in the form of A Thousand Lives and Grandma’s Song . The latter especially is bound to leave its mark on listeners. Lyrically you can instantly hear how personal the tune is. Extremely heartfelt, it tells a touching and sad story of one of the band member’s grandma’s passing.

But aren’t The Herd ‘that political band’? While it’s true they never shy away from giving their views on the things that most affect and shape our lives, I’m sure this is a tag they are now tired of carrying. It’s a tag that has largely come about from the Summerland LP, which was released during a time of massive political upheaval. It was only natural those topics would be broached then. This album does contain songs that tread a similar path in Red Queen Theory and Salary Cap, but is less in-your-face politically than previous releases.

This is a much slower record for the band than what we have become accustomed to. It’s unlikely to have you reaching for it during your next party. The overriding feel seems to be slightly ethereal and ambient layers with well thought-out hooks and melodies. The last song Clash and Collide is a stunning beat, which sounds as if it was purpose-built for Jane Tyrrell’s vocal. It has that rare quality of being a relaxed joint thanks to the tempo, yet at the same time keeping you glued with its sense of urgency. The anticipation it creates I feel is a particularly clever way to end a record, leaving you waiting for the next installment.

The Herd has produced a clever album in Future Shade. It will go a long way to helping them shake some of the stereotypes that have stuck with the group for the past few albums. As is the case with most bands that attempt a slightly new direction, loyal followers may find this one takes a few listens to sink in – but it will.

Future Shade is out now on Elefant Traks through Inertia.