Punx Soundcheck: ‘From The Roots’

‘From The Roots’ is the third album from dubstep duo John Taylor and Arif Salih, A.K.A Punx Soundcheck. ‘Cassette’, ‘Youth’ and ‘Arcade Pony’ have all been lifted from 2009’s ‘Cassette Eject’ EP but sadly they add little fuel to this dated, dwindling fire.

The album opens promisingly with ‘Roots Intro’, a reggae invitation teasing an album that really could journey through their influence. Unfortunately this is a refreshingly rare moment that is soon forgotten during the lifelessness of its following tracks. A re-release of Mr Wazzo's 'Flat Beat' would sound revolutionary in light of the unimaginative ‘Badboy Sound’ and equally dull ‘Rocker Time Style’ features C.Monts, an MC who sounds unconvincing and uncomfortable in his own delivery. Together C.Monts and fellow MC Sim:One feature on four of the album’s 11 tracks and both sound limp and unable to offer their tracks any glimpse of creativity.

One welcome guest is Musical Youth’s Dennis Seaton - his vocals on ‘Good Love’ are enjoyable and uplifting, but his presence is marred by the fruitless production. Ultimately, ‘From The Roots’ simply fails to grow in any new direction.



Released on 22nd February 2010 by Hotwerk Records.

Written by Scott Colenutt.