Reggae music in Canada has been static and ordinary for the last decade or so. Many have come, but few have been chosen. We have not seen much to compare to the likes of Messenjah and Truths and Rights, but today, we have in our midst in Winnipeg up and coming talent that may be able to fit those shoes. RasTamils demonstrate this with their latest and original album, It’s a Dream.
The three best tunes for me on this album are “Keep the Faith,” “It’s a Dream,” and “I Feel Like a Lion.” Their diversity lends to the beauty of this album; reggae in its broad spectrum of presentation always cries out to new innovations. “Keep the Faith” is solid. It could be called dancehall/rub-a-dub. In this sense, it is original. It really sets the tone for one to enjoy the all-round niceness of this album. Bouncy, lyrical, and musical.. “It’s a Dream” and “I Feel Like a Lion” follow closely with beautiful lyrics and nice back-up. The beauty about this album lays fundamentally in its rhythm section. The drums are crisp and attentive. The back-up singers really contribute significantly to this product with their sweet harmonies. However, it seems that the producer tried hard to keep them more subdued. Tunes like “War,” “Time to Heal,” and “Keep U in my Heart” help to keep this production honest. This album attempts to recreate and reintroduce the power of rub-a-dub and lovers rock reggae. Lovers rock, especially, had taken a hiatus. It is now back, thanks to RasTamils. When it comes to reggae in general, this is a very good album. When it comes to reggae in Canada, this is an excellent album and as such, would help advance the dynamism of reggae music in Canada and the world over, forever. This album surely should find a place in your collection because years from now when it becomes a collector’s item, you ought not to be taken by surprise. (Self-released, rastamils1.bandcamp.com) Ras Rico
Recommended if you like Fantastic Friday, Fridays from 6-8 a.m. on CKUW 95.9 FM.