Review: The Black Seeds – Solid Ground

THE BLACK SEEDS
Solid Ground
New Zealand’s the Black Seeds have finally released an album on this continent and Solid Ground will fully please reggae music fans both old and new. This eight-member-strong contingent blows away the competition with their blasting horn charts, sweet vocals and deep roots vibe that are all heightened by air-tight production. This record is one wild ride that begs to be played loud enough to dislodge the dust in the cracks of your hardwood floor. Reminiscent of top ranking old-school U.K. combos like Matumbi, UB40 and Steel Pulse, this Kiwi band sweetens its vibe with a vividness that will compel fanatics to immediately hit the dance floor and cut loose. While it’s hard to pick favorites, tracks like “Love is a Radiation,” “One Step at a Time” and “Strugglers” are at the top of this listener’s personal hit parade currently. Oh-so-sweet and dandy, indeed. (Easy Star, www.easystar.com) Jeff Monk