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Orthodox by The Rastafarians

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Orthodox by The Rastafarians

Orthodox by The Rastafarians

By Karl Pearson on Monday, November 30, 2009 - Comment

French label Makasound reissue another great roots piece.

Sampler

This self produced album by Santa Cruz (U.S.A) based group The Rastafarians was originally released in1981 and now it sees a timely reissue, especially with so many artists returning to a more rootsy sound and follows on nicely from last years Makasound reissue of 'Fire and Rain' by Mikey Ras Starr. He appears here under the name of Haile Maskel alongside Woldé Manfesskiddus and Binghi as lead volcals.

This album is a blue print for classic rockin' roots reggae with shades of Bob and ‘Handsworth Revolution’ era Steel Pulse aplenty and The Rastafarians create a warm and rich full sound, with percussion and synth effects being used skilfully to fill many of the gasps to create this wall of sound.

Opener Rasta Theme is a laid back instrumental tune with a nyabinghi beating under current that sets the general musical tone for the album. Title track Orthodox veers away from this with a funkier afrobeat edged fused with ska chant, a kin to bands like Cymande.

Lyrically the album is a very uplifting, righteous and spiritual affair, praising Jah and seeking his guidance. I dare anyone to listen to Words of Wisdom and not feel refreshed and cleansed. The soulful melancholy lament of Occupation is the only tune to really break away from this, as the 1935 barbaric invasion of Ethiopia by Mussolini is recalled in a forthright and honest way.

This is a little known, hidden gem of an album with every song a classic, so if roots reggae of the late 70’s and early 80’s is your thing then you’ll be hard pressed to find better.