Northern Exposure, Oxjam, Bongo Club, Edinburgh, Oct 19

The Oxfam collection jars are virtually empty tonight as Northern Exposure play to an almost empty house. The brother/sister duo, ODC and Sweet-E, hail from Edinburgh and aim to bring some attention to a struggling local hip-hop scene. The pair inexplicably use two microphones each but their message needs no amplification. Social issues are at the forefront of the agenda: "The future's not bright, the future's not orange," ODC's haunting lyrics pronounce. Despite growing up on a notorious council estate they are politically aware and well educated. It seems like Sweet-E is enjoying herself the most; her energy is infectious, her smile genuine. The heavy beats provide the backdrop to some great rapping, Scottish accents included. The samples range from pop to jazz but manage to retain a hip-hop soul. With potential like Northern Exposure's it's just a matter of getting people to listen. [Luc Benyon]