Reviews

HIRIE Hits All the Right Chords with New Album Phases
Chris Blake Chris Blake

HIRIE Hits All the Right Chords with New Album Phases

With Phases, HIRIE cements her place as one of reggae’s most inspiring voices. Her songwriting, vocals, and message come together in a collection that’s as empowering as it is irie. Life may move through many phases — but having HIRIE’s music along the way makes the journey that much brighter.

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From Kingston's Fire to Te Mata's Forge: Midnight Riders meets the Naram Rhythm Section
Chris Blake Chris Blake

From Kingston's Fire to Te Mata's Forge: Midnight Riders meets the Naram Rhythm Section

This collaboration transcends geographical and generational boundaries, harnessing the authenticity of Midnight Riders, Jamaican vocal tradition in combination with the innovative, analog-driven production of a New Zealand maestro Naram. Midnight Riders meets the Naram Rhythm Section masterfully balances classic reggae and dub elements with unique spirit, creating a memorable album that is both familiar and fresh.

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Authentic Heart, Resilient Riddims: F.Y.A.H.'s Debut Weaves Hope Through Reggae's Roots
Chris Blake Chris Blake

Authentic Heart, Resilient Riddims: F.Y.A.H.'s Debut Weaves Hope Through Reggae's Roots

F.Y.A.H.'s debut, Free Your Authentic Heart, makes a mighty statement. Blending reggae with a variety of diverse influences. The album is enriched, of course, by guest artists Steel Pulse, Hollie Cook, Glen Browne and Alborosie, who all bring a unique vibe to each track. Free Your Authentic Heart is an honest exploration of emotions, with messages of hope and resilience that firmly establish F.Y.A.H. within the reggae scene.

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Ras Fraser Jr. showcases crucial voice in “I Am Conscious”
Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake

Ras Fraser Jr. showcases crucial voice in “I Am Conscious”

The son of reggae royalty Phillip Fraser, Ras released unto the masses this holiday season his sophomore effort, I Am ConsciousPerfectly succinct and potent at 10 tracks in total, Fraser does a splendid job over the solid production. Kicking off the proceedings with the up-tempo “In This Time”, he showcases a voice worthy of the Rasta leanings implied by the album’s title.

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Find a sense of peace through “Peaks & Valleys” with Brendan Clemente
Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake

Find a sense of peace through “Peaks & Valleys” with Brendan Clemente

Find a sense of peace through “Peaks & Valleys” with Brendan Clemente. The talented singer-songwriter teamed up with Stick Figure’s Johnny Cosmic to bring his debut album to life. The 13 track LP shares a fresh and honest perspective over calming reggae rock meets pop influenced tunes with thoughtful lyrics and inspiring messages to dream big.

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Channelling Change, Lacksley Castell’s Lasting Impact with Dub-Driven Morning Glory 
Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake

Channelling Change, Lacksley Castell’s Lasting Impact with Dub-Driven Morning Glory 

Lacksley Castell’s masterful dub delivery of his poetic lyrics compliments the tempo of the album’s riddims flawlessly. This vibe naturally cascades throughout “Morning Glory”, creating an unmistakably dubby flow. I find “Morning Glory” invoking a dub trance within me, channelling Castell’s energy as he utters his verses taking me on a musical exploration. 

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