REVIEW: GIDEON ZINGER - Seal/LION - Bun Them Out (Meditative Sounds)

This is the first release from Meditative Sounds out of Uppsala, Sweden. Meditative Sounds are one of the few sounds in Sweden who seriously devote their concentration to roots and steppers music. They have built up a name for themselfs over the years by bringing in people like Culture Freeman, Earl 16 and Errol Bellot to feature in their sessions and they are also one of Sweden's biggest sound system. Although sound systems doesn't get the kind of recognition they deserve in Sweden, Meditative Sounds have played all cross the country and in later years also being a frequent name to headline the Uppsala Reggae Festival which is Sweden's biggest reggae festival. Due to this release and hopefully many more to come they have launched their own record label simply named Meditative Sounds.

Gideon Zinger, who's also known under the name of Errol Bellot, delivers the first vocal on this 10:inch vinyl release. For those who don't know of Errol Bellot, he's been active on the UK-roots scene since the early eighties and has delivered a string of top tunes like "Babylon", "Sound Ina Fury" and the more recent "Rastafari Is The Only Way" (alongside by Dixie Peach).

The track is named "Seal" and, I assume, the lyrics are built around his own interpretation of the seven seals mentioned in Revelation (the final book in the Bible). The rhythm track is a good steppers that got a certain dancehall vibe to it due to a melody made out a dancehallish kind of sound which is pumping in the background. I don't exactly know how to explain it. You have to hear it for yourself. Check the soundclips below.

Soundclip - Gideon Zinger - Seal
Soundclip - Meditative Sounds - Seal 2

The B-side features the Stockholm based singer Lion who's done sessions with Meditative Sounds at different occasions. Although relatively unknown to the outside world Lion have been around for many years. If I'm not mistaking he contributed to a couple of tracks on an album compiled by Stockholm's Swing A Ling Sound in the early ninties showcasing various artists that were around at that time. His track "Bun Them Out", also known as "It's Getting Redder", have been heavily featured as a dubplate on Meditative Sounds sessions the last year. So it's a real treat that the Meditative Sounds crew have released this one for the public to enjoy as well.

On it Lion gives us his view on the situation in the western world while lyrically riding this captivating rhythm track at ease. The chorus alone almost does it since it's one that sticks and grows on you. "It's gettin' reddah, reddah ina Babylon. Mount Zion we want to go...!".

The backbone of the rhythm track makes out of a guitar playing the melody. The rhythm is a catchy yet heavy one drop rhythm track with a nice guitar and melodica based intro. To feel the fullness of the tune you better higher the volume just a little bit more and imagine the effect of playing this in a dance. Heavyweight. Although this being the B-side I have more faith in this becoming a hit among the roots followers than the actual A-side simply because it's a stronger tune with a good vocal delivery.

Soundclip - Lion - Bun Them Out
Soundclip - Meditative Sounds - Bun Them Out Dub

Both tracks contains following dub counterparts with the chorus dropping in before the rhythm completly takes over in a version style manner. All tracks are produced, arranged and mixed by Meditative Sounds which have done a brilliant job doing so. A crucial release!

/Jakob Levi 1/9-05

Read more about this 10:inch vinyl release HERE

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