.::GUIDELIGHT MOVEMENT::.

REVIEW: 3 BIG SINGJAYS PON A RIDDIM BY ZENZILE:
LUTAN FYAH - Smug Alert/SPECTACULAR - More Herb/TURBULENCE - Shall Over Come (Irie Ites Records)

It was not too long ago that the French reggae label Irie Ites revealed the exelent 10:inch "3 Big Singers Pon A Riddim By Zenzile" which featured Lorenzo, Chezidek and at the time new comer Ras Mc Bean. To think of it, that release made me start checking French productions and outputs more closely over the years since that rhythm made a serious impact on me. So following up their latest "Zion" rhythm is this brand new 10:inch named "3 Big Singjays Pon A Riddim By Zenzile" which features the same rhythm as the 10:inch mentioned above. The title kind of reveals what the listener can expect. Three singjay artists bringing forth lyrics of truth and right with style and grace. Lutan Fyah, Spectacular and the very productive Turbulence, all of which are big names on the Jamaican reggae scene, feature on this vinyl.

Rhythmwise we have Zenzile delivering a tuff steppers with a thunderous bassline acompanied by a organ and hard hitting drums which run drumfills in all the right places. The simplicity of it makes the rhythm's core show in a perfect way. Gimmicks would only destroy the feel that's now present.

First off is Lutan Fyah with "Smug Alert" which also is my favorite of the three. Lutan Fyah delivers a well heavy herb tune about all the bias of marijuana and all that comes with it. As always Lutan's delivery of vocals are rock steady when he the rides a rhythm with the rough singjay style of his. The herb chanting and farmer man hail comes across clearly as he maintains the good vibes all through.

"Them smug alert, smug alert. Mi haffi bun the herbs cuz mi joy comes first..."

Soundclip - Lutan Fyah - Smug Alert

Spectacular delivers a more simple yet effective vocal which is entitled "More Herb". His voice sounds rougher than usual as he chants herb craving vocals. A herb anthem which I think will grow slowly but surely.

"Them ah fight 'gainst the herb man, the man ah plant it still..."

Even on the third time around the rhythm sounds fresh and still got that approving feel like when you hear a solid track for the first time. Rootical vibes reach another level as Turbulence takes his falsetto to use in "Shall Over Come". He's exploring his vocal skills to a plateau where I havn't heard him before. Lyrically Turbulence stays true to the roots music where he originated from. It's a inspiring statement by a sure and faithful rastaman, who reasons that when all is said and done, we shall over come. No more slavery, physically nor mentally, now that Emperor HIM Haile Selassie I have showed us a path leading us closer to Christos.

Soundclip - Turbulence - Shall Over Come

The vibe that the rhythm produce is well kept and present on each of the artists contributions. All in their own way naturally. All to all a good release equally interesting for the roots man as for the dancehall fan. Music and vocal skills in the style of real word, sound and power warriors.

Do check the "3 Big Singers..." release while it's still availble which makes a perfect complement to this one. In the near future Irie Ites Records will treat us with a 7:inch release by Ras Mc Bean containing the title track from his album "Pack Up & Leave" and the Lorenzo duet "Forgive Them Jah". Keep your eyes out for that one.

/Jakob Levi - 29/10-05