Low and Behold, High and Beyond

Written over the past three New Zealand summers and drawing together a host of familiar names, plus fresh faces to boot, 'Low and Behold, High and Beyond' (Sola Rosa's fifth studio effort) moves away from some of the Latin and reggae influences which have been a trademark of earlier albums. Indeed, the group's guiding creative force Andrew Spraggon has navigated his all-star cast in a slightly new direction; producing a disc underpinned by his appreciation of classic hip-hop and funk, while also indulging an avid interest in nu-soul.

'Low and Behold, High and Beyond' features a wealth of vocal talent, including long-time U.K. collaborator Spikey Tee, who has worked with the likes of Roots Manuva, Jah Wobble and Morcheeba to name a few; U.S. / U.K. singer Olivier Daysoul, who is a frequent collaborator with Hudson Mohawke, Oddisee and Onra; L.A. Mitchell, regular vocalist for Isaac Aesili and Fly My Pretties; and fellow New Zealander and Harbour City Electric singer, Ned Worboys. The album was mixed by Yaron Fuchs, whose expertise behind the boards has seen him work with artists such as Talib Kweili, Public Enemy and Kings of Leon, while mastering was done by Ricardo Gutierrez (Justin Timberlake and Just Blaze).

Being yet another brilliant musical exploration from Spraggon, 'Low and Behold, High and Beyond' is jammed full of thick bass lines, deft instrumentation and tight production. It proves that despite over a decade crafting records, Sola Rosa is still making tunes as fresh and compelling as ever.