Take It

Bristol reggae band Black Roots have offered a powerful social commentary for 40 years – spreading a message of love, freedom and unity while lambasting war, greed, corruption and wickedness.

Take It does not shy away from today's troubled times either. Referring to Trump as the reincarnation of Hitler, and to the Tories as false prophets, while tackling poverty, fascism and oppression, this is hard-hitting stuff. Delivered over feel-good, roots reggae, however, it is not an overbearing listen. It is uplifting and empowering.

Black Roots' signature horn section, the Tenyue Brothers, spread sunshine through the speakers, while deep bass grooves and intricate drums serve up Jamaican vibes in abundance. Powerful, raw vocals are delivered excellently, with slick yet subtle, keys and guitars bringing the sound together superbly.

If you like reggae, you will love this. Perhaps Take It does not push the boundaries musically quite so far as it does lyrically. But that's really not the point. For four decades, Black Roots show no signs of stopping. Amid these crazy times, we need their message more than ever.