Banana Skank showcases yet again Rodney Smith’s trademark juicy beats, effortlessly groovy vocal delivery, and clean, thick production. As a whole the EP regrettably lacks something central to the classic coolness of previous albums.
The opening track Natural features long time collaborator Kope, whose verses in the track aren’t quite worthy of their pairing with Smith’s musical backing. This song is a poor choice for an opener: it’s frustratingly sparse and in both music and lyric it feels that Smith is resting on his laurels without striving to progress musically or really ‘wow’ fans. It features some invasive melodic motifs on keyboard, which overbearingly juxtapose the minimalistic feel of the music.
Banana Skank is a solid tune which lifts the value of the EP. It’s a shameless club-banger, but it delivers that memorable swinging grit synonymous with Roots Manuva. Party Time ends the disc on a good note, redeeming the EP with simple, heavy grooves, gritty low synths and clever verses. It also gives Kope the chance to make a stronger and more memorable appearance, which he certainly does. The disc also features a remix of Banana Skank by Wafa, reinterpreted as a dazzling techno number.
This has many of the elements of a classic Roots Manuva record, but presents a dramatic change from the bleak, laid back, reggae-influenced hip hop expected of Smith, in favour of more confronting club tracks. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and if this EP becomes a full album, one would hope that the tracks to come are as strong as Party Time and Banana Skank (and that the arrogant simplicity of the opening track is dropped). This is worth a listen, but some fans may be disappointed.
BY JEREMY MILLAR
Best Track: Party Time
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: JURASSIC 5, OUTKAST, DIZZIE RASCAL
In A Word: Inconsistent
