Review

DIRTY DIGGERS: THE PLEASURE IS ALL MINE

'Freakishly Strong', the debut album from London / Yorkshire duo Pat Stash and Young Max, introduced a pair of genuinely talented Hip-Hop junkies to the UK scene and became one of 2005’s most memorable releases. On this follow-up to their well-received debut, the Dirty Diggers continue to deliver nothing but quality material, albeit with a slightly darker edge in places. 'Bang On It' is built on funky, screw-faced production and features Pat and Max matching the track’s swagger with confident, self-assured verses, while the Nostalgia 77-produced “So Grown Up” sounds like the result of a late-night session in Pete Rock’s basement. The sobering 'Cuts & Bruises', reminiscent of De La Soul’s classic 'Millie Pulled A Pistol…', is a gripping tale of circumstance and coincidence highlighting how easy it is for any of us to take the wrong path in life. The real gem here, though, is the melancholy 'It’ll Be OK', a compelling cut which finds the pair attempting to make sense of their place in the world, accompanied by one of the most infectious hooks you’ll hear all year. Can you dig it? Sure, you can.
Words Ryan Proctor