The nineth studio album for Philadelphia hip hop veterans The Roots is an extremely soulful affair, exhibiting the band's traditional interest in funk and jazz modes, as well as taking inspiration from the music of contemporaries such as Joanna Newsom, My Morning Jacket and Monsters Of Folk. Lyrically the album is also expansive, and characteristically contemplative, offering meditations on politics, and discussions of perserverence through difficult times. Long time followers of the group will find much to appreciate here, and new listeners will doubtless be drawn to the unique, cohesive musical vision on display.