Reviews

I always wondered what would happen if The Melody Makers started hanging around Adam Levine.  Now I have my answer and it comes in the form of Bedouin Soundclash. In music there are two types of bands: bands that can be classified into a genre and labeled as one thing or another, and bands that take the word “classification” and blow it to pieces with some dynamite and some really interesting music. I actually listened to this album about twelve times straight through before sitting down to review it, because I wasn’t sure I had a complete grasp on what was going on.
 
Bedouin Soundclash are a blend of reggae and rock [insert preconceived eye roll], who combine raspy wails and for once, a bass player that knows what they’re doing, with catchy beats to form a brutally addicting fifteen songs that never once lose their charisma or their quality of entertainment. Each track has its own personality and its own special flavor that blends together to make a very complete album that proves to be a marvelous treat to the ears. Admittedly, I am not a fan of reggae in general, but combined with the rock stylings of vocalist Jay Malinowski, the album becomes much more than reggae.  It’s obviously music that means a lot to the people who are making it, and the effort put into each song, each note and each melody is overwhelming.
 
I’ve always said that I’m constantly desperate for something unique and drastic to come my way, and I can honestly say that this fits my criteria. It’s not something I would necessarily pick up on my own because it’s not a style of music that I would normally give the time of day to.  However, after hearing it not only once, but several times, “Sounding A Mosaic” continues to grow on me and impress me.
 
Now, before you all start to jump all over me with your “well educated” comments, realize that this album isn’t going to be for everyone.  It’s not hardcore or punk rock, so for all the oh-so-fabulous scenesters that can’t appreciate anything else, spend your money on getting that chip surgically removed from your shoulders.