Reviews

Street Gospels

Bedouin Soundclash

Released: Aug 21, 2007
Label: SideOneDummy Records
Reviewed by:
6 comments

Every once in a while, a band comes around that takes the proverbial "bar" and raises it to a height most bands can't even comprehend. Bedouin Soundclash has done that once again with their newest Side One Dummy release, Street Gospels. Every time I pick up a new album, even from a time honored band, I am weary that the band has severed their roots and jumped head first into the mainstream ... luckily Bedouin Soundclash decided to maintain their traditional roots, reggae, funk, punk approach, and release one of the best albums we will hear this year.

Kicking off the album is "Until We Burn the Sun". Upon first listen, I was literally astonished at what I was hearing. An unbelievable assortment of instruments played to perfection, unheard since the Wailers backed up Bob Marley. Speaking of Bob Marley ... Had Marley and Drive-Thru Records act Steel Train had an illegitimate love child, Bedouin Soundclash would be his name. As the album continues, my love grows stronger as every song is outdoing the last. I get to track five, titled "Hush," and literally have to stop what I'm doing as to not be distracted from what's happening on my radio. This is a completely a cappella song and is laced with unbelievable vocal harmonies and lyrics that will give you chills.

My favorite song would have to be track 2, "Walls Fall Down." This, my friends, is everything that is right with music today. Honest, heartfelt, not even slightly pretentious, just good. Bedouin Soundclash is one of those bands that are simply consistent. They have never tried to be anything different, or tried to follow successful trends; they continue to blaze their own trail in a saturated market. Each and every release from them is filled to the brim with intelligent lyrics, displayed using mind-blowing four part harmonies, exceptional musicianship and an obvious love for what they do. A deep thank you to these guys and the likes, for remaining true to your art and producing music that moves people and reassures them there will always be room for candor and sincerity in the music industry.