3Canal – Vibes (Machete Music)
Reviewed by Sadie O., 6/2/06
“Rapso” - soca-based but socially conscious dance music from Trinidad. Complex but infectious riddims, three vocalists sing and chant/rap. This ain’t your mama’s Carnival soca, although it does have its share of dance-based fun. The production is slightly on the slick and electronic side, but that’s a minor quibble with a group this good.
No FCCs. Track 8 is terrific and 3 is lots of fun, all sound great.
1. **Rise 3:30 uptempo, heavily syncopated, thick production.
2. **Boom 3:30 slightly uptempo, complex, positive vibes.
3. ***Send for the Doctor 3:50 uptempo, electronic soca, fun vocals.
4. **Survivor 4:28 midtempo electronic synchopation, upfull lyrics. Pretty acoustic ending.
5. *A Song for Billy 5:09 midtempo, spare, sad song about a kid who got shot in the hood.
6. **Millions 3:58 midtempo, rallying cry with a bit of “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” for some reason.
7. **No More 4:05 slightly uptempo, great beat, revolution vibes.
8. ***Vibes it Up 4:46 midtempo soca beat with great bass sound, fun and positive.
9. **Jouvay Warriors 4:25 slightly downtempo, strong beat, revolution vibes.