The Lambsbread – Bring Them Together

The Lambsbread have been producing quality Reggae music out of Hawaii since 2003, working with producers in Hawaii, Jamaica, Miami and Europe while constantly expanding their reach to Reggae lovers worldwide. Their latest release, Bring Them Together, oozes great Reggae music and features fourteen tough tracks.

Beginning with the title track, Bring Them Together creates a solid start to the album. Strong lead vocals coupled with sweet harmonies spread the message of coming together, an important message for the times we live in. The positive lyrics are hard-hitting, with a powerful message of unity, while the laid-back riddim fits the song perfectly. Veteran powers through as track two, again with tight lyrics and, as expected, very strong production. It carries a message of positive livity and how the Rastafarian faith can help through troubled times. There is also a universal message here that anyone can take on board, delivered through powerful vocals and harmonies that balance the song perfectly.

Next we are given Strong Rock, featuring two leading Jamaican Reggae artists, Perfect Giddimani and Fantan Mojah, who both play a vital part in the balance of the song. The message centres around how the Rastafarian faith can help keep you strong through difficult times, while the riddim is laid-back but powerful in true traditional Roots Reggae style. Trumpet Sound has plenty to say in its message to the world. The vocals are tight and flow naturally, and I especially like the breakdown combining male and female vocals, which adds a different flavour. The riddim picks up the pace slightly from the previous tracks but still keeps a laid-back feel. Real instruments combined with real lyrics work perfectly here.

Stepping the pace up a little more, the Jah Youth Productions collaboration Live It Up Again fits perfectly as the next track. The vocals are smooth and sit naturally over the warm, driving riddim, making it an easy song to sing along with. The message is clear, simple and powerful. Natural Mystic follows with another strong vocal and riddim combination. The Lambsbread and Ras Lil Dread sit smoothly over the riddim, creating a crisp sound that makes you want to rewind and listen again. The production is stripped back slightly, but nothing more is needed because the vocals carry the tune.

Stand Firm, featuring Prezident Brown, is another big tune from the Rumble Rock camp. It is an empowering song encouraging us to stand firm and unite, and the passion from both The Lambsbread and Prezident Brown is clear. The riddim runs smoothly beneath both artists, while the hooks are delivered consistently and with strength. Long Trod changes the mood slightly, with darker lead vocals than the previous tracks. This variation works well and draws the listener in, while the backing vocals are mixed beautifully around the lead. The song tells the story of a hard road but reminds us that with faith we can get through whatever is placed in our path.

Keep It Blazing, produced by More Life Productions and VIS Records, continues the strengthening sound. The lyrics are bang on point, and anyone going through a difficult time can take something from the message that they are not alone and must continue moving forward. A tough riddim drives the song, with a strong bassline and an array of instruments sitting subtly in the mix.

Switching the feel with track ten, The Lambsbread give us the sweet, driving love song Right Ting. Beautiful lyrics and backing harmonies sit firmly over a powerful riddim. The universal message here is love, and the song expresses that deeply and passionately. Keeping with the classic Roots Reggae sound, Jah Love Forever is another huge tune. The lead vocals are confident, fresh and smooth, taking us on a journey of faith and certainty. This is probably one of my favourite songs on the album, and I especially like the female vocal breakdown, which adds even more power to the message.

Where Is The Love takes the pace down a notch. The vocals and lyrics have a lot of depth, while the riddim has a Roots Reggae foundation with a slight Hip Hop feel and a piano section running throughout. The bassline is rough but smooth — contradictory, I know, but listen for yourself and you will hear what I mean. The Lambsbread’s vocals are almost hypnotic here, grabbing your ears and making sure you hear the message they are giving: where is the love?

The Hip Hop mix of Right Ting follows as track thirteen. It is great to hear the song switched onto a different style of riddim, and the Hip Hop feel works extremely well with the vocals and lyrical content. It is slightly more up-tempo than the Reggae version and gives an already strong song another dimension.

Sell It Off, featuring Rastar, completes the album. Personally, I do not connect with the riddim as strongly because it leans more towards Dancehall than the Roots sound I usually prefer. However, it is not one of the generic computer-generated Dancehall beats that can sometimes dominate the style, as there are still real musical elements running through it. A powerful kick drum and deep bassline should appeal to listeners who prefer something faster than Roots. Even though it is not normally the kind of track I would choose for myself, I still enjoyed the lyrics, energy and overall sound.

Overall, I have to say that Bring Them Together is a very strong album. The vocal delivery, lyrical content, artist performances and overall production are bang on point. The songs work together naturally and create a strong vibe from beginning to end. Anyone purchasing this album should play it loud, the louder the better, to really experience the driving basslines running throughout.

Every aspect I look for in a positive Reggae album is covered on The Lambsbread’s Bring Them Together.

Label: Jah Youth Productions / Rumble Rock Records, 2014
Production: Jah Youth Productions / Rumble Rock Records, 2014
Co-producers: Goldcup Records / More Life Productions, 2014
Copyright: Jah Youth Productions / Rumble Rock Records, 2014
Release date: 29/04/2014
Pre-order date: 20/04/2014

The Lambsbread – Bring Them Together review by Gav Pauze, 20/04/2014