TITLE: Human Nature
LABEL: Red Earth
Here’s the full-length follow-up to Soothsayers’ We’re Not Leaving EP, which got my strong recommendation back in May 2012: http://www.globalagogo.com/2012/05/soothsayers-were-not-leaving.html. The band has its roots in jazz and Afrobeat, but reggae has become their primary focus over the last few years. In the past, Soothsayers have worked with well-known vocalists; now they’re employing their own vocal chops in the roots harmony-trio style made famous by groups from the Heptones to Culture to Black Uhuru. Tracks 5 (reprised from the EP) and 10 (a cover of Ralph McTell’s often-covered folk hit) show Soothsayers at their reggae harmony best. Speaking of covers, 7 is an excellent cover of a deep cut from Jimmy Cliff’s catalog. And 10 brings back the Afrobeat sound that characterized Soothsayers’ earliest album. Nice analog dub-style production by Manasseh and Yesking, and excellent horn playing throughout. Another fine release from this versatile band.
TOP TRACKS: 5 7 9 10
ALSO RECOMMENDED: 2 4 6 11 12
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