Hailing from the sub-tropical climes of Cairns in Far North Queensland, Hot Rubber Glove concoct an infectious brew of funk, dub, reggae, hip hop and ambience on their fourth CD Conscious Fusion. With a core line-up of 8 and a roster of revolving guests featuring across the album, there was a always a risk that the end result would be cluttered, but this is far from the case. Rather than try and capture the intense energy of their live shows, Conscious Fusion succeeds in presenting a far more restrained but equally uplifting side of the band.

Opening track "System (Shake That)" sets the tone nicely for what is to follow - underpinned by a steady groove and some subtle programming, the vocal triumverate of Jo Star, Morgyn Quinn and D-Kaz Man espouse some positive lyrical vibes which reveal their hippy roots. The combination of Jo's beautiful harmonies with the singing and rapping of Morgyn and Kaz works a treat, but it is the non-stop grooves of the rest of the group which really sets Hot Rubber Glove in motion. From keyboard wizard Dino's squelchy synth riffs to Crystle's sax to the non-stop funk of bassist Jon Bankes, the groove never lets up, whether it be on the laid back dub of "Babylon.....Mash Up" or the relentless funk of the title track.

Hot Rubber Glove are sure to get you grooving, and if you can't get to Cairns to see one of their dynamite live shows, Conscious Fusion is the next best thing.

- Kris Swales

System (Shake That) MP3 (4MB)