This local septet combines rap and funk, and puts its own refreshing spin on both by prominently featuring sax, trumpet, and keys. It also wisely gives the music equal weight in the mix, so that instruments and vocals act as a whole. The band has a knack for easygoing soul-jazz grooves and pleasant, chunky melodies, but don't let the mellow vibes fool you. MCs Mooney and Laz Green have tongues as sharp as daggers when they choose to get incisive. It takes a lot of nerve to appeal to people's conscience with lines like "show me a tolerant Catholic and I'll show you a generous Jew... ain't no fuckin' god in Vatican City," but Laz and Mooney pull it off with integrity and grace. The pair also switches to melodic vocals on a dime, which gives the otherwise delightfully lazy music the perfect boost at just the right times.

Subsoil plays Friday, August 29, 10 p.m. at High Fidelity, 170 East Ave. $5. highfidelityrochester.com.