Reggae Album Reviews

Oba Simba: The Arrival Album Review – Steve Topple for Pauzeradio.com. You’d be forgiven for thinking Oba Simba had a vast back catalogue, given he’s been in the music industry since the early 2000s. But in actual fact, he’s recently released what is only his second full length album. But fear not – the near-six-year wait was well worth it. Oba Simba The Arrival, released via Sunvibes Music and Leaguscam Music BMI, is another solid project from this up-and-coming record label. Its approach is, paradoxically, refreshingly old skool – as many of the riddims used on The Arrival have had

Mikey Spice: Are You Ready Album Review – Steve Topple for Pauzeradio.com. Reggae veteran Mikey Spice has been in the business around 35 years. But the legendary artist shows no signs of letting up, as he’s recently released yet another album. As it’s just so… ‘him’. Are You Ready, released via Pro Production Entertainment, is a deep dive into nostalgic Soul-based Reggae. The production is of a high quality, allowing the musical intricacies and Spice’s voice to take the fore. And both these elements, along with the composition, are thoroughly enjoyable. Mikey Spice Are You Ready opens with Everybody Needs

Judah Brownny & Heavy Waves: The Meeting Review – Steve Topple for Pauzeradio.com. Sometimes there’s nothing better than infectious, bass-driven Dub. But with a market currently saturated with Roots, Dancehall and Afrobeats – where to look for it? Well, you won’t go far wrong if you start with Judah Brownny and his latest release. The Meeting, released by Heavy Waves Music and with them also on the credits, is a deep delve into modern Dub territory. It’s an extremely well produced and engineered album from the off – with the right attention to detail on the dB and kHz to

Ginjah: Survival album review – Steve Topple for Pauzeradio.com. When an artist kicks off their third decade in the industry with a new album, they had better hope the end-product is something special. But there’s no concerns on that front for Ginjah, who’s latest release is truly magical. Ginjah Survival, released via Young Veterans and VPAL Music, is a deftly-handled journey into Soul-inspired Roots and Reggae. It’s an overly-vocal and lyric-led album, riddled with delicate musical intricacies and moments of delight. Production, from Young Veteran’s brothers Andrew and Sheldon Pennicott, is of course first rate. They also did the majority

Aruba Red: Shadow Work EP Review – Steve Topple for Pauzeradio.com. The resurgence and reinvention of Neo Soul within the Roots and Revival movements has been somewhat of an under-recognised, and misunderstood, phenomenon. So, it’s all the more exciting to come across a UK artist owning the genre as their own, without deviation. Enter Aruba Red. Aruba Red Shadow Work EP, released via Travelling Child, is the latest EP from this multitalented musician. It’s been publicised as a collection of songs about a journey to freedom in response to personal trauma. And Red has certainly poured her heart, soul and

Marcus Gad: Rhythm of Serenity Review – Steve Topple for Pauzeradio.com. Marcus Gad is still young by anyone’s standards. But he’s already notched up a fairly sizeable artistic career. And with his latest album out on 13th March, it seems that this thriving talent from New Caledonia isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Marcus Gad Rhythm of Serenity, released via Lustre Kings Productions and Baco Records, is a powerhouse of a record, both musically and thematically. The extremely potent production comes from Zion I Kings, most notably Andrew ‘Moon’ Bain. And this level of quality cements Rhythm of Serenity’s stellar status.

Various artists: Inner Terrestrial Riddim review – Steve Topple for Pauzeradio.com. 2020 has had a promising start for riddims, with cuts from the likes of Seani B and Bost & Bim showing that, with some real technical skill and a bit of magic, the art is still alive and kicking. And the latest release from D Rebell is kicking – and very much alive. Inner Terrestrial Riddim, released by D Rebell Productions, is a synth-heavy, post-modern Roots affair. The seven interpretations by different artists all come with their own merits. But the basic instrumental riddim itself is quite an interesting

Matt Hoy: Touch review – Steve Topple for Pauzeradio.com. It’s a bold move when a member of a legendary group releases a solo project. But UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro’s Matt Hoy has taken the plunge with his debut album. Don’t worry – he’s pulled it off with aplomb. Touch, released via Mana Records, is a smoky, smouldering Soul affair, drawing on the influences of various artists and genres. But it’s also a distinctly British Reggae Pop record, taking you back to the sound made popular by the likes of UB40; a sound that you don’t hear so much

Sevad: Black Man’s Government Review – Steve Topple for Pauzeradio.com. There are times in music when someone’s talent catches you off guard; when you don’t know what to expect, and that expectation is met with a pleasant surprise. The latest album from Sevad is the perfect example of this. Sevad Black Man’s Government is a potent, conscious affair, taking numerous genres and styles and mashing them up to create an inspired project. It’s almost impossible to pin the album down to one genre. But what is possible is to say Sevad Black Man’s Government makes for fascinating listening. The album

Jonathan Emile: Spaces-in-Between review – Steve Topple for Pauzeradio.com. It’s perhaps a measure of an artist who can go from Hip Hop and Rap to Roots without blinking. Legendary Bay-C did similar with his move from Dancehall to Roots/MENA-inspired music on Holy Temple. So, enter stage left Jonathan Emile – who just made this musical transition perfectly. Spaces-in-Between, released by MindPeaceLove and Tuff Gong International, is quite the departure from Emile’s previous work, which was heavy on the Hip Hop and RnB. But that’s not to say this latest project doesn’t encompass those genres, either. Because Spaces-in-Between showcases this artist’s