Roots Manuva – Alternatively Deep

This LP is another instalment of dark UK Hop business, which features cuts that didn’t quite make it onto “Awfully Deep”.

This LP is another instalment of dark UK Hop business, which features cuts that didn’t quite make it onto “Awfully Deep”. There’s no faulting the punishing bass, jagged beats and tough raps, but isn’t it a bit of a cheat releasing this as an album and not just sticking it on the original album as a bonus disc? Whatever the politics of this release, “Nobody’s Dancing” is an ace brass blessed unreleased cut, with defiant percussion and jolly keys. A heavy subbed up bass, reggae chords and runaway keys make the alternative mix of “Clock It” worth a listen. There’s definitely some good stuff on this ‘extensions’ type LP, but it probably won’t reach many record collectors who didn’t check “Awfully Deep”.