Groundation – Upon the Bridge (Young Tree)
Reviewed by Sadie O., 10/9/06
Very interesting and well-done roots rock reggae from northern California. Very unique vocals and somewhat crazed delivery mix with very jazzy horns and excellent production to make a terrific sound. Frankly, the lyrics sound somewhere between very religious Rastafarianism and insanity, but maybe they’re just inspired…
No FCCs that I could make out. All tracks are very good, but 8 and 10 are exquisite.
1. 5:41 **downtempo and downbeat but gaining in energy, a bit dubby and bloopy, nice horns. Interesting vocals. Ends oddly.
2. 4:15 **downtempo but forceful bubble. Fades to organ chords and vocals in middle, comes back full force.
3. 4:19 **very downbeat and dubby skank with wah-wah and jazzy trumpet.
4. 4:59 **very uptempo and energetic bubble, great bass sound. Looned out horn and vocals.
5. 6:36 *very slow with melodica, almost sounds like French café lament.
6. 4:58 *uptempo and upful bouncy bubble, “Exodus” vibe. Works itself into a jazzy improv.
7. 4:56 *groovy, lazy bubble. Odd horns.
8. 4:01 ***somewhat uptempo with really great bloopy noises.
9. 5:10 *fade in with drums, somewhat downtempo forceful bubble. Long fade.
10. 5:53 ***downtempo and downbeat, with a bit of pretty guest vocals by Ijahman Levi.
11. 6:54 *somewhat downtempo bubble, impassioned. Goes completely over the top about 2 minutes from end, and comes out of it with some nice, simple piano.