Roots Controller by Misty In Roots

22 May

Written by Mark Keresman
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Though it’s hardy trendy these days, there is quality "roots"-style reggae being created out there, and this recent disc by the UK outfit Misty In Roots is the evidence. Their first new album since 1989, Roots Controller is full of classica/old-school chunky rhythms, bittersweet horns, soulful guitar fills, dizzying tastes of dub, earnest, movingly forlorn but hopeful I-and-I lead vocals and ghostlike background choruses that reflect the influence of American doo-wop and R&B vocal groups. Re: the latter: "Dreadful Dread," "New Day" and "Follow Fashion" feature background vocals that recall Curtis Mayfield’s Impressions, heard as if in/from a dream. Plus, MIR toss in some neat, unexpected tempo changes to keep the proceedings lively. There are no concessions to Dancehall, Hip-Hop or slick Euro-American pop - just the straight stuff, uncut. If you think nobody’s carrying on in the proverbial footsteps of Junior Murvin and Bunny Wailer (oh yeah, Steel Pulse circa Handsworth Revolution, yes indeed), grab this posthaste, as it’ll do ya a world o' good.