Songs of Life (Heartbeat, 2005)

Many reggae acts have evoked Ethiopia in their songs and images (like, let's see...The Ethiopians?), but few are actually from Ethiopia.  Brothers Medhane and Noah Tewolde, as the Nazarenes, are out to change that.  This dynamic duo has delivered a startling debut with rare power in Songs of Life.  They are a throwback to the classic roots harmony groups of the '70s, but unlike most vocal harmony acts, they also play instruments -- the guitar (Medhane) and bass (Noah).  In fact, they wrote, produced, arranged, and mixed the album as well; who knows, they may have even pressed the CDs and if you're nice, they may hand-deliver them to your door (but don't count on it).  With a name like the Nazarenes, plus their head-wrapped look and their austere song titles, you'd expect a strictly pious, Afro-centric sound akin to the Abyssinians or African Head Charge, but there's a surprisingly accessible (and surprisingly effective) soul edge to their music -- including three '70s-styled R&B ballads.  Even when they're singing straightforward roots reggae, they imbue it with their soulful falsetto-laden vocals -- sort of like a mix between Prince Lincoln and Prince Malachi.  Their sound is fresh and immediately engaging, a well-written set featuring roots accentuated by lovers rock, light dancehall, R&B, and even a bit of a Middle Eastern edge on "Song of Unity."  Apart from a couple of the soul cuts, Songs of Life is near perfect from start to finish.  "Song of Righteous Life" is a modern classic track, while the invigorating "Song of Consoling" and the lover touch of "Song of Love" also excel (although the awkward titles may hinder their success a bit).  It's quite simply one of the best releases in a year already jam-packed with outstanding releases.