Bedouin Soundclash runs the gamut of reggae styles in their newest full-length album “Building a Mosaic” released by Stomp Records. The trio from Toronto, Canada dabbles in different styles allowing listeners to break from the monotonous reggae records clogging up the mainstream. Singer Jay Malinowski’s vocals in the opening song “When the Night Feels My Soul” are soft, but wail with a strained power reminiscent of memorable reggae artist Desmond Dekker. “Living in Jungles” has drummer Pat Pengelly permeating fast jungle beats into the porous world of reggae. “Gyasi Went Home” sounds a like suburban reggae track you would find on an O.A.R. CD while “Criminal” is a mellow dub with eerie vocals you would find on an Augustus Pablo CD. The group’s name is in honor of Israeli reggae percussionist Badawi; his 1996 CD was titled Bedouin Sound Clash. The group labels themselves as street-reggae-clash-soul music on their MySpace page, but I label them as a fresh breath for any true reggae lover and a perfect introduction for those who have never heard reggae before.
CD Review Bedouin Soundclash
Jason Reed
December 6, 2006
Story continues below advertisement
More to Discover