The leading entertainment media guide ALLMUSIC.com recently featured a review
of the new Bambu Station compilation "Chant of the Lions I." The album
is set for release on August 15th and will be available online and at retailers
throughout America, Europe, South America and the Caribbean. The following article
was written by music critic Jo-Ann Greene and the source article can be found
here.
"The first of hopefully many more compilations, Mt Nebo Records now brings
us "Chant of the Lions I," a set dedicated exclusively to the Virgin
Islands' many chanters, toasters and singjays, all in a cultural mode of course.
For those unfamiliar with the music bubbling up from this Caribbean island chain,
this is reggae with a difference.
Although obviously Jamaican influenced, these VI DJs eschew the warp-speed
deliveries of their bigger island brethren, and as the raps are virtually patois
free, every one is perfectly understandable to northerners. Neither do the DJs
feel the need to insert themselves into every open space possible, although
backing band and producers Bambu Station's understated, bubbly, roots rockers
accompaniments provide ample room to do so.
In that respect, the DJs have an 80s feel without the soul- destroying ragga
sound.
And that VI sound is on the move, as Star Lion Family's exuberant "I-land
Hopping" celebrates. The seven-strong vocal tag-team have been garnering
acclaim since their debut opening for Sizzla back in 2000, and the group dominate
this set, featuring on over half the tracks. Of all its members, Pressure has
seen the most success so far, notching up a number of huge hits and popular
albums in recent years. His "Firebun Day" is a potent lesson in righteousness,
with the rest of The Family providing vocal support.
Rafijah showcases his sweet tenor on the comforting "Jah Iz", while
Kimbe Don's powerful, emotive vocals demand attention on the apocalyptic "Time
Is Up". Kimbe is tough, but Star Lion bandmate Niyo Rah makes clear on
"Badness Will Bloody U", "The Almighty is the baddest man."
That scorching number echoes of Israel Vibrations, and is far removed from Rah's
more soulful "Blues Experience" later in the set.
However, of all the Star Lion members, arguably Ickarus is the most eloquent,
with a grand turn of phrase, heavy hitting themes, and lethal rhyme schemes,
all of which are showcased to best advantage on his two tracks here. Elsewhere,
sermonizer/dub poet Sagenjyah uses his words as weapons, stripping away their
meaning until only truth remains, a force to equal Mutabaruka.
Sagenjyah is not a Family member, nor is the equally impressive Jahman, a veteran
artist with an infectious style and a much needed message for the youthman.
Ras Bumpa is one of them, an up-and-comer beckoning stardom with "Taste
of Consciousness". The catchiest number on the set, on it Bumpa hits virtually
every cultural touch stone and shows nuff respect for his elders to boot. Even
Bambu Station's gentle, downtempo backing on his second number can't keep this
exciting DJ down.
Newcomer Papa Black makes his debut on this disc with a sweet singjay vocal
and a gentle delivery that speeds a prayer to Jah on one number, and joined
by Jahold delivers a warning to the bad boys on his second.
An extraordinary collection of DJs, a phenomenal set of music, and an album
that may singled handedly shift roots fans view of the dancehalls."
Bambu Station is a roots reggae band from St. Croix and St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
For tour dates and other information visit us at www.mtneborecords.com,
www.myspace.com/mtnebo, www.myspace.com/bambustation. |
