Roots Tonic

King Django – Roots Tonic (Jump Up)
Reviewed by Sadie O., 12/9/05
Roots reggae from New York with hints of ska. Nice to hear a full band with all hand-played instruments. Sweet vocals and harmonies, excellent horn section, strong drum and percussion – the only problem is that it’s a bit on the too-perfect side! Good songs, easy on the ears, can’t complain about that. Just don’t look for experimental electronic glitch here.
The best track is probably 7, but there’s a “fat bastard” (obviously teasing) line, if that sort of thing is FCC…. 3 and 9 also good.
1. 3:44 midtempo bubble, sweet sound, about relationship ending.
2. 3:20 *uptempo, strong riddim, cool percussion sounds.
3. 3:32 **uptempo, cool vocals, great dance number. Same song (feat. Django) is on the Drastics record – don’t know if it’s exactly the same version.
4. 3:21 midtempo, pretty “lover’s rock” number.
5. 3:20 *uptempo skank, reminiscent of Wailers-era sound. Righteous hard times lyrics.
6. 3:00 midtempo with toasting by Rocker T. slight hints of dub.
7. 4:18 **downtempo with Dr. Ring Ding (big German star) toasting. Fun number with “sound system dance” vibe.
8. 3:33 *odd vocalizing at start, midtempo, rather like a slow ska song, fake (not too obnoxious) Jamaican accent. Fun little number.
9. 3:17 **somewhat downtempo, strong riddim, fun lyrics and good sound.
10. 3:39 mid-to-downtempo, somewhat smothered sound in places, about being overcome by drinking problems.
11. 3:48 very mellow downtempo, melodica-based instrumental.
12. 3:02 *very nyahbinghi vibe and riddim, if slightly faster tempo. Upfull, mellow, and sweet.