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Nazarenes - Meditation

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Nazarenes - Meditation

Nazarenes - Meditation

By Erik Magni on Friday, May 11, 2012 - Comment

Skillful harmonizing on the Nazarenes' fourth album.

Sampler

Ethiopian brothers Noah and Medhane Tewolde are known as the vocal and multi-instrumentalist duo Nazarenes, a duo that has been based in Sweden for many years.

They established themselves in 2001 with their self-produced debut album 'Orit'. Their breakthrough came three years later with the acclaimed set 'Songs of Life', a set followed by 'Rock Firm' in 2008.

Nazarenes - Meditation Now the Tewolde brothers are back. Back in full swing with an album produced by Tippy I of Virgin Islands-label I Grade, a label known for working closely with Vaughn Benjamin and Midnite.

The first collaboration between the Nazarenes and Tippy I was the single Everlasting which was included on the various artists’ compilation 'Joyful Noise' put out in 2009.

On 'Meditation' the Nazarenes have made an album that confirms just how great roots reggae can sound in 2012. 'Meditation' is reggae in the same school as excellent vocal harmony groups like The Meditations or The Mighty Diamonds. And hearing these two brothers sing together is a soulful experience.

'Meditation' re-uses some of the riddims used for previous Tippy I productions, and if you’re familiar with Jahdan Blakkamoore’s 'Babylon Nightmare', Toussaint’s 'Black Gold' or Perfect’s 'Back for the First Time' you’ll most likely enjoy tunes such as Mamy Blues, Everlasting and Lonesome Lady.

But there are also a number of new riddims. The dreamy Alive is one such, Politrickcians, in a UK dub style, is another.

Several of the songs come close to pop and rock arrangements and Get Together will probably make Chris Martin of Coldplay proud with its catchy sing-a-long chorus. It sounds like it’s made for playing at large festivals or stadiums.

The Nazarenes might have a long way until they’ve achieved a following as big as Coldplay, but if Noah and Medhane Tewolde keep making music as good as Meditation it’s just a matter of time until they play at Glastonbury or Madison Square Garden.