Released on 16/06/2003
Label: WEA

The opening reconfiguration of Lauryn Hill's 'Ex-Factor' sets the tone for this R&B anthem from the Manchester drum'n'bass/soul three-piece. A simple hip-hop beat loops, the bass lopes, piano pushes the rhythm forward and swells of organ and a crashing gong provide the drama. It's a flawless combination that's worked to maximum effect combined with the fine vocals of Jenna G.

That Un-Cut have way greater potential than the obvious debt that this track owes to the aforementioned giant of US soul is obvious from a cursory listen to their debut album, 'Un-Calculated Some'. That a certain Ms Dynamite launched her major-label career with a track that bore more than a passing resemblance to Lauryn Hill should be held up in evidence to caution against paying any attention to the muttered complaints of music journalists.

Nonetheless, on the strength of this single alone, Un-Cut sound like an act with the potential to grow into a pretty serious proposition - one that surpasses the sum of its influences.

    by James Poletti