BOBO REVOLUTION 2

“It’s a Bobo Revolution, bound to start a revolution … ”

Over the past twenty years, Maximum Sound has excelled at making dancehall, vocals, deejay and roots records, releasing many hit singles and albums en route. Their sound – whilst varied – is wholly authentic, no matter the style, and yet they’re rarely so impressive as when they reach deep into reggae’s cultural soul and allow their artists real freedom of expression. The label’s first volume of Bobo Revolution was a milestone of contemporary Jamaican roots music – one that should be in every reggae fan’s collection. Be warned however, because this one raises the bar yet higher. The roll call of artists is stronger, as are the rhythms, whilst the lyrical messages are more uncompromising than ever.

Every song on this album has meaning and resonance. The majority call for truth and rights, and seek justice for those who, Turbulence says, “work every day and don’t get a dime.” Led by fiery sing-jays like Sizzla, Capleton and Anthony B, as well as the singers Tarrus Riley and Luciano, Turbulence’s generation represent the greatest outpouring of Jamaican roots and culture heard since the seventies, when veterans such as Johnny Clarke and U Roy first struggled to make their voices heard. The momentum hasn’t slowed either, as demonstrated here by newer names like I Octane and Zareb. Then again, Maximum Sound has always viewed the music in its entirety. You can tell by the way they revive magnificent roots rhythms by the likes of Black Uhuru and Johnny Clarke on the one hand, and then deliver powerful originals, complete with thunderous bass-lines and exquisitely crafted arrangements, on the other. Music like this would grace any reggae sound-system on earth – not just on account of the rhythms, but also the lyrics.

It was artists like Bob Marley who first succeeded in taking the sound of Rasta rebellion to audiences worldwide and established reggae as the ultimate protest music. Listening to this album it’s clear that little has changed in the meantime, since ghetto people continue to suffer the worse kind of indignities and still await the revolution that will set them free. “When the lights go out and the food runs out, all we have is the music,” chants Anthony B. That’s why it’s not only their cries you can hear on Bobo Revolution 2 – it’s also their hopes and aspirations, and that proud, indomitable spirit which informs the very best that reggae music has to offer.

... and look out for a new MAXIMUM SOUND Luciano album
United States of Africa coming out soon on VP Records ...

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