Album review: Plan B, Ill Manors

Plan B's follow-up to the croontastic Strickland Banks soul album is a fantastic return to hip-hop form.

Although the lyrics are a dark and pessimistic take on modern Britain, in stark contrast to the glitz, glamour and positivity of this year's Olympics, you can't help but smile as Plan B, aka Ben Drew, cleverly wends his way musically through the crime-ridden wasteland of "Broken Britain".

The swagger of the opening title track, carried by a cello riff, is followed by the trip-hop groove of I Am The Narrator, and the upbeat yet ultimately tragic Drug Dealer, while Deepest Shame harks back to the soulful styles of his previous album. You'll feel grimy visiting Ill Manors but you'll still thank yourself for doing so.

Plan B
Ill Manors
(Atlantic)
Rating: 4.5 / 5