Sounding a Mosaic (SideOneDummy, 2005)

Not to be confused with Israeli dubster Badawi's 1996 album Bedouin Soundclash, genre-bending Canadian trio Bedouin Soundclash has cleverly disguising itself as a rock band -- including its affiliation with punk-leaning SideOneDummy and its participation in the 2005 Warped Tour -- positioning itself to gain a more mainstream appeal.  Listening to Sounding a Mosaic, however, it's clear that the album's heart lies not in rock 'n roll, but in reggae.  While a slew of other uber-hip rock and pop acts dabble in reggae, Bedouin Soundclash sounds more like a reggae act dabbling in rock.  Not only do they maintain a traditional reggae "stylee" for about 10 of the 15 tracks here, but they also imbue their music with a genuine soulful edge that's lacking in many modern ska hipsters.  From the opening track, the band's vibrant sound reveals a deep appreciation for reggae's roots.  "When the Night Feels My Song" is a rollicking good time with a joyous melody that evokes early Jimmy Cliff as performed by Paul Simon.  You simply don't hear this much anymore: a frisky, strumming ska anthem that's reason alone to celebrate this album.  Not stopping there, though, Bedouin Soundclash manages to follow it up with another ska-rific tune, "Shelter", which melds the Jamaican sound with a bold '70s funk/rock attitude.  From there, the album diverges from ska into a variety of styles, none of which contain the raw power of the first two tracks, but which may draw in fans of other genres.  Besides the Jamaican influence -- including not only ska, but also roots reggae (including a cover of the Maytones' classic sufferers' tune "Money Worries", featuring the legendary group's front man Vern Buckley) and dancehall -- there's an Afro-pop vibe on "Gyasi Went Home" and "Nothing to Say". Additionally, electronica elements -- jungle, trip-hop, whatever you wanna call it -- pepper "Rude Boy Don't Cry" and "Living in Jungles". "Murder on the Midnight Wire" and "Immigrant Workforce" meanwhile boast a British pop/rock feel that harkens back to the reggae-inspired works of the Police and the Clash.  However, not every style on Sounding a Mosaic works.  The jungle/dancehall cut "Living in Jungles" feels stilted; the music is too simplistic and unflattering to lead singer Jay Malinowski's thin vocals.  Plus, the two ending remixes throw in too many of the group's repertoire of sounds at the same time, crafting a hectic mess.  The most evocative cuts play it close to the reggae vest.  Beyond the first two tracks, the rootsy acoustic guitar ballad "Jeb Rand," the dubby "Criminal," and lively pop reggae of "Music My Rock" propel this top-heavy album.  The last five tunes, by comparison, falter.  With such a rainbow of sounds, you wonder if Bedouin Soundclash will struggle to find a market.  As it stands, Sounding a Mosaic will mostly please many listeners but may completely satisfy only a few. bedouinsoundclash.com