Special Gunpowder (Very Friendly, 2004)

*GUEST REVIEW*
Special Gunpowder is Jace Clayton’s first proper album. However he has also released at least four mix tape albums that I know of. Moving from the critically acclaimed mixtape format to recording, arranging and engineering tracks is a risky adventure. The secret to Rupture’s success is simply his love of music across genres. A sort of 21 st century John Peel if you like. This album is not strictly a reggae album, but has vocal contributions from Sister Nancy, Wayne Lonesome, and Junior Cat, as well as sections of drum and bass, poetry, folk music and electronica. Numerous tracks involve some variance on dancehall or nu roots riddims. This includes the fusion of dancehall vocals with electronica and jazzy vocals over a quality riddim. So the broadminded Pole or Rhythm & Sound fan will enjoy it. Bug fans may want to check out “Flop We” given its stoned Kid 606 leanings and Four Tet fans, Osaka-Ku Memory Dept. The tracks are enhanced by a genuine interest in linking diverse music together. If you like the McDonalds-ization of society and safe predictable music then please don't buy this album. On the other hand if you are musically curious and want to find out how global sounds can meet modern reggae then give this a try.

- ragudave