Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Leeds-based R&B trio SOL are Lan and Rini Phillip and their friend Tom Gray. The three have been friends since childhood, growing up in church together and making music since they were kids. Although they released a tape under the name Tenor Time a while back that they'd rather we forgot about, they've finally managed to launch out with a debut full length album and it's been worth the wait. The group are self produced and mix hip-hop and R&B influences together to create a layered smooth production sound over which their strong vocals stand out. Their songs are a mix of social comment and spiritual message and the album sounds as though it could win friends in the Christian scene and beyond as everything holds up. As for favourites, I love "Answer" with its phone sample built into the groove, "Trippin'" and "And You Will See" which are catchy and kick off the album. The guys are due respect because they've created something which is mature and musically satisfying. At the other extreme, the album closes with "Is That Love" which is a piece of boppy, poppy almost boyband confection and incredibly infectious. Overall, 'Sons Of Light' is a good effort from a talented trio.

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