LAL is the new group from PTR Records. The duo consists of two cornerstones of the Toronto urban scene. The producer, Murr, is also known as Mr. Murray of the Grassroots, the production team behind such TO classics as Ghetto Concept's "EZ on the Motion," Elemental's "Drama," and of course Passage Through Time, a compilation of much of their finest work. The vocalist, Rosina, has been a major force behind the scenes, working tirelessly to provide venues and forums for musical expression while injecting consciousness and political awareness. Together, they are LAL, a group which breaks all musical boundaries to add their own concepts to the evergrowing urban soundscape.

Their sound is based in East Indian rhythms, but draws heavily from such styles as hip-hop, drum and bass, soul, and jazz. As such, it remains comfortably familiar while constantly innovating and progressing. Their works are simple at heart, yet structurally very intricate. The music can be appreciated by people who run the spectrum from casual listeners to musical connoisseurs.

All of the production (with the exception of the two included remixes for the title track) is handled by Murr. As a veteran producer, he is excellent at providing a consistent sound while still ensuring that each song is distinct from the next. His use of subtle instruments is perfect for Rosina's misty vocal stylings and his beats are, quite simply, on point.

Rosina both writes and performs all of the vocals. She is not only possessed of a fine singing voice, she avoids the pitfalls of modern commercially oriented music by exploring a variety of topics with real insight and consideration. When coupled with the steady production, it makes a superb thinking person's music. Both members of the group are also masters of dissonance, using aharmonious sounds to draw attention to particular parts of the music without actually breaking the harmony of the track.

The album itself has its own harmony as well. The vocal tracks are well broken up with interludes - instrumentals like "Torturing" as well as short (but lovely) tracks like "Orange Pineapple Juice."

Songs like "Corners," "2 See Love," "Projaproti," "Sunshine," and "Bolo" show the musical diversity and strength of this combination. The two remixes of "Corners" also provide excellent exposure for the group to those with perhaps less of a hip-hop bent. The Race remix is my personal pick, using a beautiful but simple organ to effectively set of Rosina's voice.

PTR hits another bullseye with this release, available now throughout Toronto as well as online at www.ptrmusic.com. Do yourself a favour and get a good couple of listens to this impressive work of art.