Black Grass is still growing in Brighton, and proves its energy with a third album. Mex, a.k.a. Black Grass draws his influences from the musical universe of Wild Bunch Records style sound systems (ie Massive Attack) and Soul II Soul. He is well respected by some well-known DJs and disc collectors such as Andy Smith. These references provide just a sample of Black Grass’s musical spectrum. This album begins with an eminently dancey title, ‘Without Your Love’ in the purest traditions of Northern Soul, takes a detour via ska, dance hall and steady, finds its cruising speed with a cheerful and festive hip-hop sound, before finishing the journey on a more melancholy tone with ‘Away’. In fact, the whole urban culture of England is to be found somewhere on this disc. It’s undoubtedly the vast musical knowledge of Mex that bestows his productions with an uncomplicated and straightforward ambiance. It crosses from style to style with an incredible lightness and almost disconcerting liberty. Not far from the swaying groove of Rae & Christian or Only Chile, Black Grass invites us to dance. BJ