The Reggae Bubblers are a Roots and Culture band from the little island of St. Croix in the U.S Virgin Islands. The island they live on may be small (even if it is largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands), but they have a big, big sound.

The album they have produced here is entrenched in the finest roots traditions and full of Rastafarian sentiments, in fact I’d go so far as to say this is probably the strongest Rastafarian inspired album I have heard in a long, long time.

Musically the album is assured, as it should be I suppose from a band who have now released around 11 albums, with founding member Hayba Warner’s bass at its powerful beating heart. On songs like High Society and Hope & Pray it comes like fire and brimstone raining down while even on lighter numbers like opener Zion Is A Holy Place and Love Life and Live there is a sense of restrained menace that drives their messages on. Drums are lively, with keyboards that are bouncy and while Hayba and Cheech may not be the most refined vocalists in the world they have an honest quality about them and the female backing harmonies are bright and soothing.

Lyrically as I say at the beginning it’s all about praises to Jah and fighting for the rights of people suffering in the system of Babylon, where man heart so cold. The thing with roots music and probably what draws myself to it most is that it is rarely down beat and despite songs like the title track and Time, Time being concerned with the plight of the sufferers it is never morose, but always looks for positives and draws strength from the firm belief that righteousness will prevail not matter what. Also in these times of troubles and growing mistrust the call for unity and one love is loud, helping to give it a strong feel good factor.

Production is unfussy and arrangements simple, leaving the whole album with a bit of an old time, feel especially on the songs that contain those old skool string sounding synths. This simplicity and lack of modern technology may not appeal to all and indeed to some seem a bit tired, plus the messages in their lyrics could be deemed a bit preachy in parts.

All in though, despite some slight misgivings, this is an album of good, forthright, uncomplicated roots music that imparts a just message not just for Rastafarians but for all.

Original Source: United Reggae