Reviews
Soulful Expressions and Deep Reflections: Mortimer shares From Within showing Vulnerability and Strength
"From Within" is a personal and introspective album, where Mortimer blends vulnerability and strength. Memorable collaborations with Damian Marley, Kabaka Pyramid, and Lila Iké adding depth, combined with Winta James' production, enhances its reggae roots with modern flair. Mortimer explores themes of injustice, love, faith, and growth, the album is both emotionally resonant and musically dynamic and a must listen.
Rhythms of Change, The Wailers bestow a Powerful Evolutionary Message in Their New Album: Evolution
‘Evolution’ is a rich rhythmic tapestry of riddims and lyrics that encourage the essence of livity. The integration of the flawlessly impressive features, Mykal Rose, Marcia Griffiths, Emily Estefan and Gramps Morgan, who all add their own flair contributing to a diverse and enhanced audio experience. And of course the gifted Aston Barrett Jr. with his resonant vocals, who continues to carry the torch leading the iconic band.
Uplifting Landscape Meets Zen Serenity with Aaron Wolf’s New Album “Running On Hope”
Aaron Wolf's new album, “Running On Hope” presents the listener a 39-minute mix of vibrantly upbeat, uplifting and soothingly chilled atmospheric riddims, with positive lyrics throughout. Listening to the album, chills me out and helps me reflect on the eventful summer that is coming to an end, as I hurtle through the air back to the land of sun that I call home.
Triumphant Trio Top the League with “Rockin’ Like a Champion”
“Rockin’ Like a Champion” captures the essence of dub and reggae with its deep, resonant bass, celestial vocals, and thought-provoking lyrics. The innovative album takes you on a memorable dub session. Mykal Rose, Subatomic Sound System, and Hollie Cook have flawlessly combined to create a must-listen album. “Rockin’ Like a Champion” leaves me hopeful for more collaborations from this extraordinary trio in the future.
Unlocking the Dub Dimension, Groundation's “Dub Rock”, Revives the DubVersion Tradition
Groundation’s new album is a reimagined true dubby counterpart to their 2022 album. With Groundations trademark mixture of reggae, dub and jazzy beats, “Dub Rock” showcases their flair.
Reggae Revolution on the Road: Naâman's "Temple Road (Extended Edition)" Remixes for Summer
The album continuously has great beat after great beat. True reggae riddims, but with a tropical inflection at times, the album as a whole gives me a wondrous atmospheric feel. “Temple Road (Extended Edition)” is definitely a soundtrack for your summer memories, the cool vibrations that are crafted in each track leave me feeling enlivened.
THROWBACK THURSDAY: Junior Murvin's Timeless Treasure, "Badman Possee" Echoes the Sound of Rebellion
Junior Murvin’s “Badman Possee” is a masterpiece of an album. With the reggae riddims followed by a dubby equivalent it is such an entrancing album. The hard hitting heavy dub bass taps into the tempo of my heart throughout the album, energising me. The beats in this album enliven and inspire my spirit forcing my body to move uncontrollably, primally, it intoxicates me. Combined with Murvin’s harmonic voice reverberating through my existence, I happily lose myself in the waves of vibrations.
Finding Tranquility in Turmoil, Clinton Fearon guides us to survival with positive vibrations
The smooth sounds of Clinton Fearon’s newest album “Survival Vibration” coolly reverberates and resonates through my mentality. Throughout the 11 track album, “Survival Vibration”, Clinton Fearon’s message of Rastafari could not be clearer. Each track delves into his harmonic teachings and meditations. Each impactful lyric is carefully crafted to impart wisdom upon the listener. As I listen to “Survival Vibration” I feel tranquillity wash over me.
Piper Street Sound lands a fresh flurry of combos with "Black Eyed Dub"
Released on April 5th, 2024, "Black Eyed Dub" by Piper Street Sound, also known as Matt Mansfield, in collaboration with Andy Bassford, stands as a creative resurgence in the dub genre. This remix EP delves deep into Mansfield's Southern roots and seamlessly integrates them with reggae's rhythmic essence.
Dukes Of Roots' self-titled debut album bridges continents and generations
Dukes Of Roots' debut album titled “Duke Of Roots”, bridges continents and generations. Dukes Of Roots has produced a reggae revival album, not just in sound but in spirit. With a global lineup, featuring the Congolese vocal maestro Mermans Mosengo and Jamaica's own legends George “Fully” Fullwood, Courtney Diedrick, and Sean Diedrick, this ensemble breathes new life into roots reggae.
The mystic Aaron Borowitz presents timeless vibes with feel-good new album Father Time
Aaron Borowitz's first solo album, "Father Time", clocks in as a 37-minute and 37-second where harmonic positivity seamlessly entwines with the spirit of reggae. Aaron Borowitz’s 11-track album incorporates a dose of majestic mushroom mysticism, accompanied by a talented batch of features. "Father Time" beckons listeners to embrace the current moment, radiate kindness, and cultivate inity. I’m a fan of the album cover, a fusion of fungi and time, that stands out as a visual prelude to the enchanting realms within.
Livity longevity legendary, Burning Spear's album "No Destroyer" marks the reggae icon's triumphant return
Burning Spear’s enduring legacy shines brightly, with his new studio album “No Destroyer”. He has bestowed to us an album filled with groovy flowing beats, that puts me in a tranquil trance of uplifting positivity. Burning Spear’s energy pulsates through every song highlighting why he is legendary reggae royalty and an everlasting force within the genre.
Album Review: Samory I hits hard with powerful second album “Strength”
Poetically insightful lyrics, true to roots reggae music and authentic riddims aided by a rich ensemble of talent who have crafted an impactful piece of musical art. Samory I’s “Strength” uplifts me in every track, the impeccable beats in each song complimenting the soulful poetic lyrics.
Album Review: Passafire’s “Remember A Time” exhibits the band’s range with a medley of melodies and rhythmic grooves
Passafire’s eighth studio album “Remember A Time” flaunts their versatility with a variety of reggae infused beats spanning the nine song album. Hailing from Savannah, Georgia, Passafire brings a mix of sounds to my ears, living up to their reputation for their genre-defying approach to music.
Album Review: Rising Tide's "Pixel Prison" sets us on a journey to unify
Bopping around the chilly winter streets with Rising Tide’s new album, “Pixel Prison”, is warming my ears and putting a spring in my step. The album itself is a trippy reggae-dub, soul-jazz fusion, best listened to in order, one song after the other like the days of old.