From the jazzy break-beat freestyle wonder of the opening title track or the electro funk of ‘Participant’ Homecut’s debut – No Freedom Without Sacrifice – takes you on a passage of inner city bliss. With off beat jazz and hypnotic piano loops, thought provoking vocals that at times morph into relaxed spoken word, the installment is carefully crafted musical genius.

No newcomer to the live circuit, a place where unlike many artists he truly comes of age, Leeds thoroughbred Testiment aka Homecut is also a formidable part of the critically acclaimed Shlomo’s Vocal Orchestra. And having played to thousands at Glastonbury along with other summer festivals the all singing, all rhyming and all beatboxing Homecut truly encapsulates the various branches of Hip-Hop.

The album holds intimate tracks like dreamy lead single ‘I Don’t Even Know’ feat Soweto Kinch and Corinne Bailey and the upbeat funk fest ‘Breakdown’, along with the ‘City Song’ something that any concrete dweller will be able to relate to. Think of the social commentary and beats of Arrested Development or Fugees joined with the Charisma of UK Legend TY and you have a small insight into the music to look forward to.

With the fun but conscious track ‘Harmony’ that explores growing up and being of mixed heritage along with the drug abuse inspired ‘Ykte’, Homecut possess bundles of bravery successfully exploring depths of musical boundaries and topics that promise to move your soul. ‘The Breakdown‘ featuring Andreya Triana is another sure winner.
With other guest appearances that include J-live and TY, the only thing missing from this project is a deserved Mercury award?

words Ali Raymond
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