SkyVlog

Leeds-based Nightmares on Wax are hardly prolific: this is only their fourth album since 1990's classic early rave single, Dextrous. Their rate of work hasn't been helped by mainman George Evelyn's legendary dope intake, which led to stoner albums with titles such as Smoker's Delight and an invitation to judge Amsterdam's Cannabis Cup. Now Evelyn has apparently given up the weed, and although the titles are still silly (Bleu My Mind, for pot's sake), his music is more focused. Mind Elevation is a curiously thought-provoking collection of sublimely arranged electro-soul and subtle reggae moods. It is a mostly instrumental summer haze, although when Evelyn throws Chyna B's blissful vocals into the mix, things shift up another gear. Date With Destiny could be a sunnier Ms Dynamite. However, the best moment, 70s80s, sees LSK's Lee Kenny rapping about the Thatcher years, presenting a grim picture of inner-city riots and person against person, made bearable only by Adam Ant, Grifter bikes and Hi-Tek trainers with fat laces.

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