At a time where the 1Xtra sound dominates young 'black' music, and any new contender seems to sound like a Wretch 32 or Mz Bratt wannabee, it's refreshing that there's still the occasional artist that's bold enough to break the mould. Step forward 23-year-old East Londoner A.L., who is wearing her musical influences firmly on her sleeve with her debut EP.

In fact, at 16 tracks, 'Laid Back' stands more as a full album, and it comes with a strong marketing point. Each cut features A.L. singing, (and occasionally chatting,) over classic beats left behind by legendary bugged-out hip-hop producer J Dilla. The appearance of some top-class instrumentation would have been reason enough for this project to stand out, but just as much appeal comes from A.L's polished and measured vocal talents, which hold the attention from start to finish.

Good relationships turned sour get addressed on 'Thought You Were Nice', while the flipside, keeping one going, forms the subject of 'Compliment Your Man' and 'Don't Worry'. A.L. then unleashes her inner freak on 'The Urge', which speaks for itself, but which avoids being tawdry or tacky, and the winning formula of a feel-good reminisce track crops up at the end with 'Rewind Time'. The rap cameos from Stutta, Mercston and Bruts add a bit of edge, but all keep their contributions non-grimey, and in perfect unison.

Being so soulfully-based, and in mid-tempo territory throughout, many of A.L's young contemporaries may find this bewildering, as it steers clear of the frantic, aggressive style that's now so popular. But this is real music, delivered with a passion that shines through on every cut, and many could do with taking a leaf out of its book. Respect to A.L. and all involved for delivering such a musically reassuring offering.