Conquering Sound (I Grade, 2005)

Ancient King's debut album Conquering Sound doesn't play in your stereo so much as it explodes.  The gruff-voiced St. Croix DJ (a bit of a departure for the singer-heavy I Grade label) has a rough 'n tumble delivery made all the more intimidating by the mega-bass-driven musical backing.  If Prince Far I had a "voice of thunder," then Ancient King has a "sound of thunder" -- or, as this album so aptly puts it, a "conquering sound."  His vocals erupt with a passion and a gravelly texture not unlike the now missing-in-action Lion had when he emerged in the late '90s.  The music is so saturated with bass that its rootsiness may initially be obscured, but given a couple of spins, the subtleties of the music -- produced mostly by I Grade mainstay Laurent "Tippy" Alfred -- shine through.  Roots fans -- particularly those who enjoy Midnite (Vaughn Benjamin appears on a couple of cuts.) -- who tend to shy away from DJs may want to check out Conquering Sound; it's at heart a roots album, complemented by a pair of dancehall tracks and a couple of hip-hop-flavored tunes, including the powerful "St. Croix Run Red," which paints a lurid picture of the island's violent underbelly that isn't often seen internationally.  This is "jeep reggae," music to be turned up.  Songs like "Your Defense," "Do Good," "Nah Bow," JAH," and the title track are head-nodders and mood changers, with a sound to blow your speakers and, quite possibly, your mind.  Another scorcher from I Grade.  Note: If Ancient King sounds familiar, you may remember him from his guest spots (as Willow) on the I Grade collection Weep Not.