To all those awaiting the triumphant return of reggae to the world, you can continue holding your breath because it’s not happening. Instead, reggae is slowly filtering its way back into the mainstream via bands like Bedouin Soundclash.

The threesome delights the ears with tunes reminiscent of Bob Marley, Black Uhuru, and Burning Spear, but at the same time grasps new age listeners with hip-hop beats that would have Biggie himself bobbin' his head. The album opens with the wonderfully bouncy, "When the Night Feels My Song," a great track regardless of your musical taste. The tone of the album shifts from the aforementioned bounce to a classic Wailers jive in songs like "Shelter," "Money Worries," and "Music My Rock." For anyone interested in reggae, or anything even close to it, “Sounding A Mosaic” is a sure pick.

Guilt-free downloads:
When the Night Feels My Song
Money Worries
Rude Boy Abroad (Lazare breakdub)

4 out of 5 Geese.

Bedouin Soundclash is signed to SideOneDummy Records

written by CJ Montgomery
Issue 2 February 2006