Featuring dexterous percussive vibrancy with alluring African and Latin inspirations, “Underground Roots” is the debut single from The Beatroot Road.
The project, based in the North Vancouver District, is led by Mark Russell and violinist Hazel Fairbairn — who are joined by other talented artists in tracks that release every six weeks, culminating in an album in the spring of 2025. Featuring the alluring contribution of Kenyan vocalist Lucinda Karrey, “Underground Roots” is representative of the act’s eclectic, hard-to-define stylistic vigor — infusing traditional instrumentation within an effervescent, inventive pop mold.
In addition to Karrey’s vocals, the track’s rhythmic elements are a standout success. “The roots are underground,” the vocals let out, echoing the evolving percussive presence in descriptions of roots beginning to grow with hopeful intent. The joyous “underground,” vocal refrain melds with brassy exuberance — held steady within uses of African instruments like conga and cabassa, in addition to the bodhrán, a traditional Irish drum.
The project describes the track as “a song of hope – talking about the strength of roots to withstand the seasonal changes of the overground world, whether they be in plants, music or life.” We’re certainly excited to hear what’s next from this project, who show a clear vision of pursuing an eclectic array of styles in the singles ahead.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
