In The Wake (HDP, 2008)
*GUEST
REVIEW*
I've resided in Huntington Beach, California for many years, and even for a non-surfing, non-sun worshipping guy like me, there's a lot of things to like about the place. And if I were to make a list of such, I'd certainly have to include The Simpkin Project, a local reggae band, high up on it. They've got an uncompromising sound that blends authentic roots rock riddims with a wall-of-sound production style, marvelous harmonies and lyrics that range from the simply truthful to the stirringly anthemic. In The Wake is only seven songs and as many dubs, yet it has a rich 79-minute running time that takes an unhurried, meditative journey through modern roots. And as determined as the band are to let their music flow to the max, they seem equally intent on building a signature sound. Their dubs have a big, reggae-in-a-cathedral feel and their vocal selections are similarly ethereal, even letting layered keyboards establish the mood before the drums put the reggae beat in motion on the first couple of songs and sampling what sounds like Gregorian chanting on another. And yet they don't sound overly grandiose. Despite making reggae that engages the mind and heart first and the dancing feet second, these guys don't forget that it's music for the masses. They remind me a bit of John Brown's Body (minus the horns) in the way their sound is instantly accessible and reveals more and more engaging touches as it goes along.
- Tom Orr |
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