Awakening

Listening to ‘Black Man Story’, the opening track, is like stepping back to the 1970s, so evocative are the vocal harmonies, clavinet melodies and buoyant brass section of this prime slice of roots reggae. In case you didn't know, a reggae revival is well under way in Jamaica, with dancehall's domination giving way to young artists with an urge to join together, jam and find a higher level of consciousness. The fact that two of the artists in this renaissance, Addis Pablo and Ky-Mani Marley, have famous dads is only helping spread the love for everything that is the 70s. Spiritual is a little older than the rest, having lived through that prosperous era, but he has sensed the moment is right to unleash his brand of Rastafari roots on the world. Featuring many great musicians including Dean Fraser on sax and Sly Dunbar on drums, this is an excursion into serious roots: ‘Rule Di World’ asks if there would be as many wars if we, the people, ruled the world; ‘Give Thanks and Praise’ offers advice over a mystic, characterful rhythm. Throughout, Spiritual's voice takes the limelight, which is a bit of a shame as the instrumentation and harmonies are so divine they could do with more room. Still, Spiritual is clearly ready to share his wisdom and seize the moment.