Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Ever since Paul Simon jazzed up his tinkly songs by adding a large dollop of township jive and Ladysmith vocals, there has been a growing interest in African music. But this is different! The easiest way to explain this is to imagine what you'd get if you mixed African sounds and vocal styles with 80s soul. African soul anyone? Based in Nairobi, Hart are four musicians led by Peter Odera. The group have been together for about a year and have toured extensively in Kenya singing the good news. The songs are mainly in English with some in the local language Dholuo, the title means "Give Me Life". I've been listening to this so much that I can almost sing along in Dholuo although I've no idea what I'm singing! Most of the album is in English, including "Free Your Soul" which is probably the best demonstration of the marriage of African and Western music with great singing and rapping and some kickin' rhythms. Watch out for the reprise! "Show You Love" is smoooooth showing off the band's mellow side. All in all, a very good debut recording. I'd love to see what they can do live!

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