It is easy to understand what drew Denis Bovell (English sound engineer with many collaborations, including LKJ, Alpha Blondy and Steel Pulse) to join the first album by this young French band. Originally from Tours, the members of Macka Fat have a taste for roots reggae, for recipes simmered in old pots. Proof of this avowed admiration: Macka Fat is the title of a track (and an album) by Jackie Mitto, produced by Coxsone in 1970.
Macka Fat is a French band, then, but one that sings in English. A pity. First because the accent sometimes slips, amplifying the impression of a voice that is not always assured and of somewhat lazy choruses. Above all, this choice harms the understanding of the rather well-written lyrics. Even if one sometimes treads familiar ground, as on Heavy Load, which rhymes "heavy load" with "rocky road". The main attraction is found behind the counter: the landlord Bovell serves up skilfully mixed riddims, with a commanding bass and sharp guitar notes. Very polished tracks with fine openings (the graceful Just A Pinch, or the cutting Dark Shelter), enriched with varied flavours as on the funky Macka Funk or the languorous Tree Chest. Eleven tracks of undeniable quality, followed by four dubs which also lack a bit more bite to win us over for good.
