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    The Phantom Tollbooth 2002/The Tribe
    The Tribe — Take Back the Beat cover

    The Tribe

    Take Back the Beat

    (2001)

    Reviewed by James Stewart

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    Label Movation Records / Alliance UKThe Phantom Tollbooth2002
    dance pophip hop

    Following quickly on the heels of their debut single under the new name the (no longer World Wide Message) Tribe have released this debut album and embarked on their biggest tour to date. The new lineup is reflected in a sound which has changed considerably from older WWMT material, with a more overt influence from recent mainstream hiphop.

    The apparent influences from acts like Eminem seem to have led to a slightly lighter feel to the tribe's work, although there's been a tendency in that direction since We Don't Get What We Deserve. They seem to be at their best with tracks like "Fit To Burst" which has a faster beat than most tracks and is a relief after the weak Craig David-esque ballad which is "Turn Around," or perhaps on "Nah Nah" which is again a little Craig David-esque but possibly the album's most infectious track.

    Overall, here's another album which sees the Tribe keeping their sound in line with mainstream pop, but it really doesn't have any killer songs, and is if anything a little forgettable. A solid production, but one without any real spark.

    Similar sounding releases

    2002Plus OneObvious2002Jump5All the Time in the World1999World Wide Message TribeFrantik1999RazePower2002Jody McBrayerThis Is Who I Am2001MacMacSpiritual Awakening

    More from The Tribe

    2001Take Back the Beat (Single)

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    2002StavesacreStavesacre2002LordchainCracked2002The Evoka ProjectDecember Drive2002Various ArtistsSecrets of the Vine2001Margaret Becker / Maire Brennan / Joanne HoggNew Irish Hymns2001SpiritualizedLet It Come Down