Make Way (Scholars Word, 2008)
Scholars Word has been a remarkably consistent force in the
underground reggae scene for several years now, and they continue their
roll with Make Way. This is thunderous roots, with bass lines
that will put your speakers to the test, echoing dub effects, and
gravely vocals from Bryce Creighton that lend an ominous vibe
epitomized by a title track that asks, "What they gonna do when I I'm
sanctified, / When I have Jah Jah to be my guide? / What they gonna do
when the smilin' done, / When time gets dread, we'll all have to run."
It's a dark (though not depressing) album; even when the music is more
upbeat -- as with "Crime" -- the message is still deadly serious: "War
is a crime, no matter how necessary or justified." That said, Scholars
Word's music remains accessible, with crisp production, catchy
melodies, and a taste for saxophones. Dub lovers should be pleased to
find a hard-hitting dub of "How Long" and the solid "Pleurisy Dub," not
to mention a certain dramatic dubbiness that runs throughout vocal
tracks like "Can't Live Without," one of the highlights of the album,
along with "Love in Your Heart," "Kings Music," the title track, and
"So High" -- appropriately, the most tranquil cut on the album. For a
heavy, head-bobbing time, check out Make Way at scholarsword.com or cdbaby.com.
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