Adrian Phillips remembers not to judge a book by its cover as he reviews Tell No Lies. First the bad news; this has to be one of the worst CD covers I’ve seen in years, which is strange given the high quality visuals that most Real World releases exhibit. However, the good news is that the sounds therein are quite splendid.

Soul Science, the duo’s debut, was one of my choice cross over albums of 2007 and here they stick to the premise that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it with a repeat display of Adams’ favourite R&B riffs and Camara’s immaculate Ritti and Kologo playing.

Nothing here disappoints

But Tell No Lies ups the anti with more light and shade than its predecessor and an even greater sense of fun. I wouldn’t call this a fusion album as the contrasting styles don’t so much fuse as collide head on, but it works.

Sahara, the opening track, sets to scene for what’s to come with Camara’s voice to the fore. Tonio Yima and Kele Kele (this time with Adams taking over the vocals) keep you on your feet and then you get a blast of the blues on Fulani Coochie Man. Nothing here disappoints especially the Latin-influenced Banjul Girl which is the albums stand out track.

As the title suggests this is an honest album that wears its heart on its sleeve, but next time I’d suggest that the sleeve gets a better tailor!

Buy a copy of Tell No Lies