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United States
August 03 2008
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Movement
Rootz Underground
Mystic Urchin / Riverstone Records
CD
May 5, 2008
Track list
Rory Of Stone Love Intro
Time Is An Illusion
Victims Of The System
Deep Underground Interlude
Herb Fields
20 Centuries
Hammer
Farming
In The Jungle
Special Place
Orange Sun Rays Outro
Riverstone
Climbing To The Rootz Interlude
In My Hut
Rain
When I Go
Corners Of My Mind
How Much Longer
In The Jungle Remix (Bonus Track)
Rating : from 5 (excellent) to 1 (poor)
Vocals : 5 Backing : 5 Production : 4 Sound quality : 5 Sleeve : 5
"Movement" introduces Rootz Underground, a six-man group that has come onto the Reggae scene like a storm. The band has a genuine desire to move listeners to a higher consciousness and to revolutionize Reggae music. Yes, these guys breathe new life into a sector of the genre that is sometimes relegated to oldies and vintage festivals.
Rootz Underground members include Steve Newland, (lead vocals and lyricist), Charles Lazarus, (lead guitar), Jeffrey Moss Solomon, (rhythm guitar, backup vocals and lyricist), Colin Young, (bass guitar), Paul Smith, (keyboard) and Leon Campbell (drummer).
Newland recently called "Movement" a "musical hammer," but at the same time he described it "like Ital stew, because sometimes it takes long to cook." Indeed, it took the band five years before they entered the studio. Live shows perfected their sound leaving no question that the band's mission is to elevate Roots Rock Reggae. "Movement" is intended to be heard front-to-back, like listening to a storyteller. The opening salvo is a blazing DJ-intro by 'Rory Stonelove' Gilligan followed by "Time Is An Illusion". Produced by Gilligan, it is hopeful and reflective. The song's strength lies in the spiritual depth of the lyric, as well as Smith's harmonies.
The album rolls right into "Victims Of The System". This is the proverbial "big tune" that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Resembling a rebel war chant, it's infectious and driven by Newland's voice. The sticky tag line will have you singing "enemies of robber Babylonian" all day long. The tune has a message, but it is delivered so well that you don't even realize you are getting an education. Don't exhale Rasta the lessons continue with "Herb Fields" and "Hammer". "Herb Fields" takes you to an idyllic field of "trees" where lyricist Stevie G confronts Babylon's reality. This track has a simple guitar-lead melody with a dash of Dancehall rhyme midway through. This one is sure to become a staple ganja song. Regrettably, the song is cut short by the producers. The current single is "Hammer," produced by Bobby Digital. The song proclaims "hammer dem down." A horn opens the song, blending into guitar 'fyah' telling the rebel warrior to defend the helpless with his song and love.
"Rain," "When I Go," and "Riverstone" are an oasis from the band's lessons. The most popular song on iTunes.com is "In The Jungle," probably because of it's playful upbeat sound.
"Movement" is a decidedly modern Roots Reggae album, fusing elements of Jazz, Ska, Dub, R&B, Dancehall, and Rock. It is a 'must have' to add to your collection.
"Movement" was produced by Wayne Armond, leader of Jamaica's legendary band, Chalice.
by Irie Hatuey
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