It's tempting to think of
Lotek Hi-Fi as followers of
Roots Manuva, the best rapper in Britain (no apologies to teenage wünderkind
Dizzee Rascal) and a man whose Lord Gosh production style of basement hip-hop sounds very similar to this self-titled debut from
Lo-Tek's five-man team. (Also, both artists record for Big Dada.) In fact, the members of
Lotek Hi-Fi have a long pedigree in the distinctly British fusion of yardkore and rap. Wayne Bennett, founder of the group, produced several tracks for
Roots Manuva, vocalist
Earl J. is the son of
Jack Radics, crooner Wayne Paul recorded several lauded singles during the early '90s, and toaster Aurelius claims one of the finest deep voices to grace a Big Dada catalog laced with them -- think Toastie Tailor or
Ty or
Chali 2na.
Lotek Hi-Fi, a nine-track mini-album, doesn't hit with the same force as
Roots Manuva's classics, but this is a widely talented bunch. Imagine the varying lyrical concerns of Big Dada philosopher
Ty multiplied by four, with a much broader palate of productions. "Voodoo Boogaloo" and "Under My Bed" are sparse, punchy productions with plenty of aggression but also an eerie quality that immediately impresses. Never overpowering but always intriguing,
Lotek Hi-Fi embraces and unifies the long history of modern British reggae -- from
the Congos to
Junior Reid to
Roots Manuva. ~ John Bush