Killa Kela - Elocution

Elocution' is a small masterpiece, intricately structured and scored; a fine showcase for a talent who is much more than just the best beatboxer in the UK, although Kela's vocal gymnastics - playing drum machine, DJ and lead vocal in one breath - are undeniably astonishing. Live string samples, portentous basslines and clattering funk-rock beats to rival Neptunes' N.E.R.D. productions lend a raw, dirty-porno feel, while his vocals are a high-voiced almost-falsetto; the lyrics about the darker side of love and relationships (Standing In The Rain, Feminine). Beatbox noises are chopped and cut into dark and sticky Prince-like funk nuggets: such sinister, melancholy atmospheres as Justin Timberlake dipped his toes in on Cry Me A River. There's enough heavy hip-hop (Submarines, feat. Roots Manuva, Jawbreaker, Supergrass) on show to keep headz happy, and some astounding moments of pop genius (Sleeping Patterns, Feminine again) where slick production and writing combine to stunning effect. Watch this album blow up, if it isn't too dark (and too damn good) for the teenyboppers. [Killa Kella]