EP Review: Roots Raddix - Off The Bench

Having collaborated with IAMDDB and others from the Manchester neo-soul scene, the Roots Raddix collective have slowly established themselves as cornerstones of the burgeoning scene. New EP Off the Bench embodies old-school hip-hop with strong jazz elements, resulting in carefully considered tracks that are effortlessly timeless. Each member of the trio infuses every track with their own unique flavour, making each bar refreshing and distinctive.

In the title track Off the Bench, LayFullstop’s vocals dominate and inject soul into the song, whilst the melody of the flute invokes a classic jazz vibe. The lyrical charm of Woddy Green and Zz, The Slept On add so much energy to the track with their wit and clarity, making each word sound as though it flows instinctively out of their mouths.

The ability to use such a soulful R&B and Hip-Hop soundscape and make it feel so fresh surely cannot be easy, but they make it sound as though it were. The record is nostalgic, warm and full of personal touches, making it feel as though you are embarking on a soul-searching journey with the group. This EP is definitely an example of a record that, the more you hear, the more you want to know.

The group are deeply exciting and represent a genre that is slowly infiltrating the north, and we highly anticipate the next steps for the genre and Roots Raddix themselves. So, whilst the sun’s out, get in the garden, put up your feet and wind down to this mesmerising and intelligent record.

Words: Megan Teece-Round