The blog dedicated to The Botanics states at one point that the band is ‘the fabric of Australian music now’. Indeed, they stand alongside many other homegrown musicians embarking upon a road of hip-hop meets jazz/rock/reggae/blues/roots/dub, who could reconcile as, arguably, the ‘fabric’ of Australia’s music scene.

In their case, they seek to blend a roots underlay with hip-hop attributes. The latest album from these three Sydneysiders is being released in two parts, with the first What The Deal Is having been released around April this year. The six-track EP seems to showcase a fair bit of what these guys have to offer: melodic choruses, nice bass, and tasteful lyrics. Also, it’s refreshing that they have decided to mix it up with some variations in sound throughout. No track sounds the same, although they all resemble one another in certain ways.

The third track on the EP, "People of the Dust", is a stand out, with an enticing opening and serious lyrics. The eponymous track is memorable, throughout which the catchy riff is repeated continuously. ‘Come get a little bit of what the deal is, and turn it up loud if you have to steal this’, it begins, before embarking on a three-minute rap to a drumming back-up, and intervals of that same line for the chorus. Given its moderate circulation on the Triple J charts, I’m sure it’s recognisable to many.

Though The Botanics are promising musicians with minimal flaws, I’m afraid on a comparative level I’m not quite sold. They are not quite as unique as the underrated True Live, and I don’t sense the same mainstream success as Hilltop Hoods. Nonetheless, they do still show some promise; with quality songwriting and embellished production, the EP will be a good listen for Aussie hip-hop fans. Though it certainly could be considered a showcase of part of the ‘fabric’ for the Australian music scene, they should not be considered the fabric themselves.

Review Score: 7/10