4 Hero - Play With The Changes

UK dance stalwarts release their finest yet

Despite a lack of mass exposure, 4 Hero (aka London-based duo Marc Mac and Dego) have been at the forefront of British dance since the early 90s. This gloriously eccentric record, Play With The Changes, continues their experimental journey begun on 2001’s Creating Patterns, moving across funk, soul, hip-hop, jazz, rock and broken beat, while showing an innate understanding of each. Morning Child kicks things off in grand orchestral style, with vocalist Carina Anderson adding grace to an anthemic score, recalling the group’s superlative version of Rotary Connection’s Les Fleur. Elsewhere, Miss Jack Davey’s breathy vocals add more than a touch of filth to the dirty funk of Take My Time. The title track, featuring the legendary Mizell Brothers, is the indisputable highlight. Starting off as a light piece of rare groove, redolent of the Mizells’ 70s work, a midway tempo shift lurches into a deep, squelchy bass and lazy piano break that drives the song into an unforgettable piece of cosmic slop. It’s the most sublime piece of music 4 Hero have produced. Employing such a broad range of styles across the whole album was a bold move, but it’s resulted in their best, most cohesive, release yet.

4 stars 4 stars 4 stars 4 stars

Raw Canvas | RCRCD 02

Reviewed by Paul Bowler
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