In 2003, a group from the Marais Poitevin caused a considerable surprise with its first album "Sweet Lane" which, far from Sinsémilia, Tryo, Kana and the like…, strove to rediscover the essence of the Jamaican sound. With Livin’Soul, France can boast of producing reggae "more Jamaican than the Jamaicans'".
With "Sweet Lane", we had discovered a group of promising talent borrowing from the foundations: mento, rhythm'n'blues, ska, rocksteady and roots. This time, Livin'Soul delivers a more reggae, more accomplished album. The official biography states that “Livin’ Soul began climbing the reggae mountain by its Marley face”. Not only is the influence obvious but the group manages to recreate the Wailers atmosphere. With a carefully chosen line-up and equipment, the result is striking. The album opens with Back Out and the tone is set with a flute in the manner of Bend Down Low, which turns up throughout the album. The presence of the rock lead guitar is also recurrent. With Hey, we sink deeper into roots. The composition is of rare subtlety and plays with alternations of major and minor keys. We also discover a delightful two-sax section and male backing vocals inevitably recalling the Wailers.
Bob's shadow
The Gladiators could have performed "Hot Swing", the resemblance in the writing of the lead vocal is striking. His voice sometimes comes close to that of Harrison Stafford (Groundation) but can just as well evoke Albert Griffiths, Israel Vibration, Stanley Beckford or Justin Hinds. With Cool Down the soul-funk influence resurfaces. The bass line is almost borrowed from the JB's while keeping Jamaican arrangements. The intro of Pray Time could come from Wackies, and as for Mango, Duke Reid would no doubt have signed it.
The influences of the group's five members are many, but it is Bob's shadow that looms. There are two ballads for voice and acoustic guitar. Cesko, which closes the album, draws on Bob Marley's This Train and I'm Hurting Inside. Livin'Soul displays precise influences but by no means could one cry plagiarism. This aptly named "As A Spring" makes everyone revise their judgement on French reggae. An authentic album that pays tribute to Jamaican music, marked by a strong identity. An undeniable success.
