Pharcyde, Urbanscot, Liquid Rooms, Edinburgh, Nov 7

A bizarre ride has been Pharcyde's, one that has seen their members dropping out like flies ever since the crack-induced departure of founder member J-Swift nearing the completion of their fantastic debut. Luckily, J Dilla and Diamond D were there to take the reins of production for the second LP; ensuring bigger hits emerged from 'Labcabincalifornia' – which instantly established itself as an indie success in the UK and boasted the innovative music video for Drop by Spike Jonze.

Soon after, however, Fatlip too admitted a cocaine-based defeat, and Tre Hardson also fled after the varied response to their comeback, 2000's 'Plain Rap.' All of this has been an obvious hindrance to their meeting an undoubted stellar potential. But, as Fatlip would later consider on his solo track Writers Block; "I'm sort of like a dweeb, but that don't sell / I never been shot, never been to jail" – has the widespread word of thuggery really become so ubiquitous on the racks of the popular hiphop buyer? Don't answer that.

Refusing to allow this diminishment within the ranks to mirror the tragic demise of Gravediggaz, remaining members Bootie Brown and Imani boldly push forward without allowing these past departures to blight them further. The twosome provide a carefully considered double edged approach with Bootie's laid back delivery blending (but never colliding) with Imani's energetic Dead Prez friendly panache. Accordingly, you could say Pharcyde have taken a tumble, but they're not done by a long chalk. (Dave Kerr)