Arrested Development - 'Since The Last Time' (Edel) Released 18/12/06

Arrested Development's new album 'Since The Last Time' keeps up the positive spirit for which the group have been known since their highly successful 1993 debut '3 years, 5 months and 2 days in the life of.'. Another 13 years on, the vibe will definitely be appreciated by many in a scene which all too often seems to celebrate the negative aspects of modern life.

The album starts with the title track which is almost a confessional as to where the band have been for the last decade, the opening lines of MC Speech's verse admitting, "It's been ten years since we blessed stages together, we covered bases together and whether we all agreed or not 20/20 vision is hindsight and now we got that so we done got back".

'Since The Last Time' really begins to find its stride on track 3 'Down & Dirty (Clap Your Hands)' when the tempo is lifted and a party atmosphere is injected into the proceedings with a distinct flavour of Outkast in the air. The roots element for which the Tennessee natives are known is in evidence on 'Heaven' where African vocals compliment the voices of the band's MC's and singer, leading into the samba rhythm of 'Sao Paulo'.

'Sunshine' is classic Arrested Development, adding insightful social commentary to an upbeat party tune before the vibe is slowed for 'Stand'.Another stand-out track 'It's Time' deals with many aspects of American culture from racism to Hip Hop arrogance and is the best example of pure 'rap' on the album before the dance vibe is back to keep your toes tapping until the end.

While acts like Little Brother keep the soul of hip hop with their social commentary and others like Black Eyed Peas keep the pop crowd bopping, Arrested Development sit somewhere in the middle and are one of those few groups who can truly make crossover hit's with a deeper meaning, while never straying too far away from their original roots.