Rootz Underground. From left: Stephen Newland, Jeffrey Moss-Solomon, Leon Campbell, Colin Young, Paul Smith and Charles Lazarus.
Artiste: Rootz Underground
Album: Movement
Genre: Reggae
Rating: Three stars out of five
Reviewer: Leethan Grandison
Rootz Underground has come to be known as a reggae band that produces an eclectic sound, which is more like revolutionary reggae music - edgy, raw and natural roots - that has been generating interest across musical borders.
The group released its first album, Movement, which in all opinion is a good start for a first album. The tracks start off with an introduction like that from the beginning of a big 'sound system' dance. Following this, one is treated to the words "Jah live and reign," opening the second track with a mini built-up chant following, "how excellent is thy name", from Time is an Illusion. The track spews out lyrics about 'Babylon system', and is unlike the preaching songs one is accustomed to.
Iinfluenced by Garvey, Selassie
Victims of the System is an ostentatious track and one of my favourites, evidently influenced by the philosophies of Marcus Garvey and Haile Selassie, and has been receiving a lot of airplay with the video showing on local cable TV. Victims of the System is one of the better songs on the album and boasts deep lyrics and a chanting that makes you want to continually repeat it.
Bongo Arthur is an addition that I'm not too sure what purpose it serves, but it spreads much light on the interpretation that once one goes off on a path, to discover his identity, he is instantaneously, negatively stereotyped. In theJungle and Special Place are soft in beat and on the ear, with a cool melody which commands your body to move.
Twisting effect
Particular mention must be made of Jeffrey Moss-Solomon who is the composer of When I Go, which creates a twisting effect from the others and stands out as another impressive track.
The 19-track Movement is produced by Wayne Armond, Bobby Digital, Dean Fraser and Rory Gillian and can appeal to all with songs that are both retrospective and introspective with diverse sounds which give the impression that the group is bringing back the absence of a roots reggae band to the musical scene.
Rootz Underground's Movement is appreciative and doesn't come across as overbearing and preaching - a big plus that helps in bringing out the uninhibited energy of the group. The group's lead singer Stephen Newland's euphonic kind of smoked-out voice of Bob Marley is good for the group as it makes Newland's singing style addictive, to say the least. Moreover, the group emphasises the message of higher mediation and social responsibility. It's a copy to get.
Track listing
Rootz Underground. - File
1. Roy/Stone Love @ House of Leo, HWT, JA Circa 1993
