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Identity (Island, 1988) It's odd that this band has received such a negligible amount of exposure, seeing as how they released two albums on the hit-making Island label. They've gotten even less notoriety than Foundation, who debuted on the label around the same time. Neither group has a style that is terribly unique, which may have hurt their chances of success, but they both put forth quality material, which is all that should matter. In my opinion, Identitly actually comes out of the gate stronger than Foundation, who have had at least some exposure. With material written by lead singer Deighton Charlemagne, this 8-piece band has a sound that, while not necessarily unique, is nonetheless refreshing simply because it's just plain good, live-band music. The songs are rootsy with a slight pop edge that never allows them to degenerate into lightweight crossover material. Thus, these tracks are likeable and upbeat without being cheesy. Charlemagne has a real talent for putting together strong roots melodies, as evidenced in tunes like "Rejoice," which also showcases a wonderful use of classical strings. The best cut here, though, has to be the inspirational "Rise," which features an instant-classic harmonica-laden rhythm that would make a great dub. The singing doesn't detract from it, however, since the melody is so strong. Identity's live-instrument sound is crisp and increasingly rare -- and thus much appreciated -- with keyboards and horns dominating "Peace," steel drums livening up "Identity," and even some digital effects on "Transformers," which, yes, usurps the melody from the Transformers cartoon. Identity -- more than meets the eye. |
| Track Listing 1. Unity 2. Rejoice 3. Peace 4. Transformers 5. Identity 6. Rude Boy 7. Rise 8. Here I Come Again |
All in One (Island, 1989)
Identity returns only a year after their debut (also, oddly, like Foundation) with a solid follow-up that continues their upbeat, enjoyable roots style that even non-reggae fans can enjoy. All in One doesn't have that one boom shot that Identity had with "Rise," however, and it is a little less efficient than their debut, in which all 8 tracks were solid. Still, this one is more fun than the other album, with danceable jams like the swaying Third World-esque "Too Hot on the Beach" and the dancehall-rhythmed "Have Some Fun," alongside the laid-back "Relax." Tracks like "After the Sunrise" strike me as having an Eddy Grant-like mainstream appeal (sans the electro-funk), but like the debut album, it all stays within the roots realm (except for "Fele (Crack)," which is more African music than reggae). Lead singer Deighton Charlemagne, whose smooth voice has an ever-so-slight raspy edge that draws you in, doesn't write all of the songs on this album (as he did with the first), but perhaps he should've, because some of the weaker tracks are written by others (I don't want to name any names, but perhaps Scott Kochak should stay in the background with the horn section.). Nevertheless, All in One is a worthy follow-up that unfortunately seems to have been no more popular than the first album. Identitly recorded a third album for Island, but it was never released, and the band has since faded into obscurity (which wasn't far away in the first place).
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