Rudimental – Toast to Our Differences

Review

Rudimental's "Toast to Our Differences" emerges as a sonic kaleidoscope, a testament to the band's deft hand at genre-bending. Released amidst the winter chill of January 2019, the album warms listeners with its drum and bass heartbeat, while weaving in the pulsating threads of pop, electronic, and world music. It's a sartorial blend that dresses the ears in a global tapestry of sound, tailored with the precision of seasoned musical couturiers.

The collaborative spirit of "Toast to Our Differences" is its shining button, fastening together an array of artistic talents. From the soulful tones of James Arthur to the spirited verse of Macklemore, and the vocal prowess of Jess Glynne, each feature is like a carefully curated accessory, complementing the album's rich ensemble. Tracks such as the introspective "Walk Alone" with Tom Walker and the culturally textured "Dark Clouds" featuring Jess Glynne and Chronixx, showcase the band's ability to drape emotions over the skeleton of infectious beats. The production, helmed by the quartet of Piers Aggett, Amir Amor, Kesi Dryden, and Leon Rolle, is nothing short of impeccable, with live instrumentation bringing a tactile elegance to the electronic ensemble.

"Toast to Our Differences" is not just a celebration of diversity in music; it's a runway show of cultural intersections, where each song is a model striding with confidence and grace. Rudimental has crafted an album that resonates with the heartbeat of inclusivity, offering a collection that's as vibrant and varied as the world's fashion capitals. It's an album that stands as a beacon of creativity, where every track is a stitch in the quilt of modern music, inviting listeners to wrap themselves in its eclectic warmth. - Vivian