Three albums deep and Rudimental are just as electric and diverse as ever. 

‘Toast to our Differences’ is their most political record yet, drawing upon our polarized times.  “Hey, I wanna live in a leaderless world” is the album’s opening line, sung by new-comer Shungudzo, while Kojey Radical challenges the government’s action on Grenfell and youth crime on ‘No Pain’.  Reggae obviously has a lot of influence here, with contributions from the likes of Protoje, Chronixx and Kabaka Pyramid. 

Few acts today are able to blend social commentary with vibrant, commercial pop as effortlessly as Rudimental.  The track listing boasts a line-up of UK stars like Jess Glynne and Anne-Marie, to South Africa’s Ladysmith Black Mabazo choir, a steady smattering of Afrobeats from Mr Eazi and velvet soul from Maverick Sabre and YEBBA.  Phew. 

Rudimental’s slick production is constant, their sound global but undeniably London.  Somewhere between woke and the best rave ever, ‘Toast to our Differences’ is a much needed musical dopamine shot for this crazy world. 

Photo credit: YouTube, Rock Your Lyrics