Surface Emp - Lucky Me EP

Surface Emp is a homegrown hip hop group hailing from Edinburgh and Glasgow, consisting of local talents Sum and Hudson Mohawke. They've been performing together as a group since 2004, and have already played alongside such renowned artists as Roots Manuva, Auetchre and Blak Twang. This debut release contains six tight songs, each attempting to raise the bar on the musicality of traditional UK hip hop. Much of the percussion was recorded live, and the haunting beats mixed with a powerful vocal style certainly makes for a very interesting listen. Lyrically open and honest, the album provides a breath of fresh air to the UK hip hop scene, giving the audience an alternative to the influx of big name US acts. Already tipped for greatness by the likes of Skinnyman and Radio 1's Tim Westwood, keep an eye out for future releases - these boys are gonna be big. The 'Lucky Me' EP is available from Fopp, Tower, Deal Real, Upbeat and Underground Solush'n. [Karen Taggart]