4hero* - Play With The Changes

If anyone could call their album _Play With the Changes_, it would certainly be 4 Hero, who have embraced so many genres in their storied career: drum 'n' bass, broken beat, and now, neo-soul. Extending the downtempo soul that played a prominent role on _Creating Patterns_, they go full-on soul here, from the folk-hippie-drenched "Morning Child" (reminiscent of "Les Fleur") to the funk of the title track. But those who love jazzy broken beats won't be disappointed either: "Look Inside" provides that with a fullness of sound, while "Sink or Swim" goes for a much more spare arrangement. "Bed of Roses" gets into a nice groove, while "Gonna Give It Up" almost whispers at a house rhythm. Despite all the evident talent here, however, I don't feel as much personality here as on their earlier albums; there aren't any moments that really hit you with a pow (although "Stoke Up the Fire" has a certain raucous energy to it). Still, the instrumental "Sophia" has a nice sophistication, while "Superwoman" sounds like soul straight from the 70s (even if it's appendage "Where Were You When I Needed You?" detracts from the overall feel). It's obvious that 4 Hero are still charging ahead full-steam, but they're not afraid to change direction either.