Phrenology

Prenology is the result of years of gradual forward motion, a record which luxuriates in its own sense of confidence, belying the often troubled three years that went into it. Phrenology respects no boundaries: "Water" is a 10-minute, three movement piece, while "!!!!!!!" is 24 seconds of hardcore thrash punk; "The Seed (2.0)" shows that The Roots can do funky psychedelia, and "Quills" samples, of all things, Swing Out Sister's "Breakout". But at its heart this is rap of the highest order, the band's instrumental prowess adding both edge and centre to a sizzling, crisp production, while Black Thought's adds some bile to his trademark lyrical erudition and vocal precision. They're still a hip-hop group, but The Roots are a class apart. --Angus Batey