Ian checks out Root Fire by Bedouin Soundclash

The second in my series of reviews pertains to Bedouin Soundclash’s first album, Root Fire, which was released in 2001.

The album opens with “Rodigan State Address,” a discourse that, though out of context, aptly introduces and sets the tone for the album.

From there, the recordings progress, moods seamlessly shifting from song to song while captivating and absorbing the listener so that it becomes difficult not to listen to the whole album in one sitting.

As a whole, this collection is quite different from subsequent Bedouin Soundclash releases in that it makes heavy use of hand drums and assorted percussion which, with the deep bass and bright guitar tones, give the album a distinctive dub sound.

Yet this testament to two-tone ska is a firm indicator of the direction of Bedouin’s music; all of the tracks on Root Fire are composed of that fast, upbeat tempo for which they are known.

This album is as close to their roots as Bedouin Soundclash ever comes. The band desolately stands out as one of the unsung heroes of 21st century reggae.

Ian’s bio

Age: 16
Role Model: Pauly D.
Subject: Music
Favourite Technology: Stereo systems
Favourite Website: Wikipedia
Favourite Movie: Apocalypse Now
Favourite Artist: Grateful Dead
Favourite TV Show: Kenny vs. Spenny

More by Ian:

• Ian checks out Kenny vs. Spenny
• Afro-Brazilian Beauty
• Ian checks out the Grateful Dead’s ‘Live/Dead’
• Ian checks out “On Green Dolphin Street” – Miles Davis
• Ian checks out Wayne Shorter’s Adam’s Apple
• Ian checks out Epic Meal Time
• Ian checks out Root Fire by Bedouin Soundclash
• Ian checks out God of War III

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