Energetic reflection

THEY’VE said it themselves, having spent the best part of their career on the road, that it feels strange to be releasing new music again. No sane person would pass up the opportunity to catch Rudimental perform at festivals with the full ensemble of supporting instruments. And all this almost based off of reputation alone.

That’s not to say they’re not amazing songwriters. After all, they have their own No. 1 songs to boast about (Feel The Love, Waiting All Night). But again, the band themselves had made the admission that much of its time together has been on the road.

Toast To Our Differences was preceded by really enjoyable singles that set the tone for the rest of the album. Sun Comes Up with James Arthur and These Days with Jess Glynne, Macklemore and Dan Caplen are as reflective as they are energetic.

The album never lets off on the energy, but there is plenty of emotion in the songwriting. Along with a very diverse list of collaborators, there are plenty of different influences and sounds in the album, from the South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo to the UK hip hop of Stefflon Don.

The year 2018 was a very significant year for Rudimental as it returned to Major Tom’s Studio, where it all began for the band members to kick start their own music label (of the same name) and get back to pressing new music.

Along the way, they’ve picked up AnneMarie and Ella Henderson. So, along with their own music, the future is looking bright for the label. The band has always spoken very highly about the experience of recording music back “home” at Major Tom’s, and there’s a lot to look forward to not just from Rudimental, but also its stable mates. 4.5/5