Sound Republic: Album Reviews

Traffik - Soul of the Streets EP

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By Shayna Burton
10 April 2010

Album Rating: 2.5 / 5

Related Artists

Traffik

Related Albums

Soul of the Streets

A veteran of the Australian R&B scene through various collaborations, Soul of the Streets is Traffik’s first foray into the solo world. With a full-length album in the works this EP serves as a teaser for what is to come. A true Australian soul album.

I have to admit this EP has been sitting on my desk, in my car, on my laptop for a couple of weeks now. And I have really been struggling with where to start because if I am to be completely honest, I just don’t like it all that much. But with this review process I am pushed to find the elements that I do like. And as with almost everything I listen to, it has grown on me a lot since that initial listen.

The first thing that struck me about Traffik was a vocal that has a quality within it very much like that of Seal. And in no way is that a criticism. Vocally this album is very strong. In particular the collaboration with Nadee on Let Me in Your Heart is a standout. Musically also, the pace of this album makes it perfect for the quieter moments. I really enjoy the slow soul groove of Letitdefuggo its meandering tone is something that could easily be played at a late night rendezvous. Lyrically however I feel the use of the phrase letitdefuggo (say it out loud and you’ll get my drift) unnecessary and at complete odds with the musical elements of the song.

I guess at the end of the day, my main problem with this release is the lyrics themselves. Musically strong, vocally interesting, but lyrically it feels to me like there is too much being preached or pushed obviously rather than backing off and going with the flow like the music itself does. That point aside, the groove of Soul of the Streets is delightful, the softness of the vocals and pace make it an interesting listen and definitely the kind of EP to play in the background of more ‘intimate’ moments.

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