Titles of the Unexpected

AMG Review of Titles of the Unexpected

Kingsley Marshall
All Music Guide

Unlike so many other dance music artists before them who have failed to capitalise upon their all too brief time under the unforgiving spotlight of the mainstream, their association with the Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels soundtrack saw Alex Banks and Jay Hurren transcend drum and bass all together, with this latest triumphant album from the pair yet another slice of genre trouncing accessibility. Of course, the oddly nomenclatured Titles of the Unexpected is packed with the liquid funk with which they have enjoyed most success, populated as it is with lashings of brass, raging b-lines and cheeky keys, but the duo also find time to dip into dancehall via Lady Jam", as well as hip hop and some easy to digest breakbeat -- Kelly's enthusiastic vocals joined on the cut by Sharon Brown and surprise collaborator Doug E Fresh.