The sleeve says reggae/hip-hop, but one is tempted to add the label trip-hop on top, so hypnotic is this Steve Newland EP, and not just because of the skank. A founding member of the Jamaican group The Roots Underground, Steve Newland gives us three tracks here on Blackeye, the new label from the founders of Makasound, whose birth we announced last month.
Concocted between the United States and Jamaica with Black Mangoose, an American musician, composer and producer, these three tracks distil a tasty mix. The polished beats are crammed with intricate, meticulous arrangements: guitars, djembe and saxophone, over which sits Steve Newland's broken, soul-tinged voice, reminiscent of the Marley sons.
Among the three, the dizzying 20 century / Conflict stands out. Built on an 11-minute crescendo, it gives pride of place to saxophone improvisations, long cyclical guitar solos and Steve Newland's soaring vocals. Reggae Soul and Destiny couldn't wait , with its acoustic bass and guitar, are just as convincing.
An extremely promising EP. One to watch closely.