SpenniesRastawookie
June 23rd 2006 04:17
RASTAWOOKIE
Rastawookie (2005)
Independent
Self-produced
Band website
Sydney's 8-piece Rastawookie play a myriad of styles including roots reggae, calypso, hip-hop, ska, drum n bass etc creating a unique sound that is hard to catagorize, but is not strikingly original. They are definitely very competent musicians, utilising instruments such as pan pipes, flutes, trumpet, turntables, and various percussion to create their vibrant music.
This EP is their debut and while it is only 4 tracks, it clocks in at the 35 minute mark (largely due to a lengthy secret track) so it's not too bad value I guess. The opener "Rastawookie Chant" is atmospheric reggae complete with brass breakdowns, toasting and delayed vocals. It's a pretty good song but doesn't strike me as anything compelling - makes for good music to listen to but not really pay attention to, if you get where I'm coming from. The next track follows in much the same way - a calypso-styled track "Walk This Land" which has some nice vocal harmonies and impressive guitar playing, but again I just can't get into it that much. Maybe it's the whole 'spiritual' vibe that runs through the CD that turns me off a bit. Call me cynical, but it sounds a bit forced... I guess I just don't see what 'babylon' and 'zion' has to do with anybody living in Sydney - the only connection I can make is that it's what most reggae bands sing about. Perhaps I just don't understand it all.
The saving grace for me on the EP is the fantastic "One Way Ticket" with it's brilliant pan-pipes intro, descending into cruisy brass-laden upbeat reggae and eventually building up to a very boppy ska crescendo. Also, the drummer's vocals sound very Sting-esq, which in this case is a good thing! It's a very well penned song that is also a bit of a live favourite. The last song delves more into hip-hop/funk territory, but I don't really think it's that funky.
I know I have made lots of negative points while describing this CD, but to be fair, Rastawookie are much more of a live band, jamming extensively and really displaying their talents. They always put on an energetic performance and I think that it has not translated that well to the recorded format. Go to their website though (link at top of page), the whole EP plays while you browse, so if you want to check it out for yourself, go right ahead!
Lastly, if you ever do get the chance to see the band play, I'd heartily endorse it, as I have had lots of fun at many of their gigs before. I think with their EP though, it is a band who are very talented and are definitely onto a good thing, but could probably do better. I'd definitely like to hear what they have up their sleeves for an album.
Rastawookie (2005)
Independent
Self-produced
Band website
This EP is their debut and while it is only 4 tracks, it clocks in at the 35 minute mark (largely due to a lengthy secret track) so it's not too bad value I guess. The opener "Rastawookie Chant" is atmospheric reggae complete with brass breakdowns, toasting and delayed vocals. It's a pretty good song but doesn't strike me as anything compelling - makes for good music to listen to but not really pay attention to, if you get where I'm coming from. The next track follows in much the same way - a calypso-styled track "Walk This Land" which has some nice vocal harmonies and impressive guitar playing, but again I just can't get into it that much. Maybe it's the whole 'spiritual' vibe that runs through the CD that turns me off a bit. Call me cynical, but it sounds a bit forced... I guess I just don't see what 'babylon' and 'zion' has to do with anybody living in Sydney - the only connection I can make is that it's what most reggae bands sing about. Perhaps I just don't understand it all.
The saving grace for me on the EP is the fantastic "One Way Ticket" with it's brilliant pan-pipes intro, descending into cruisy brass-laden upbeat reggae and eventually building up to a very boppy ska crescendo. Also, the drummer's vocals sound very Sting-esq, which in this case is a good thing! It's a very well penned song that is also a bit of a live favourite. The last song delves more into hip-hop/funk territory, but I don't really think it's that funky.
I know I have made lots of negative points while describing this CD, but to be fair, Rastawookie are much more of a live band, jamming extensively and really displaying their talents. They always put on an energetic performance and I think that it has not translated that well to the recorded format. Go to their website though (link at top of page), the whole EP plays while you browse, so if you want to check it out for yourself, go right ahead!
Wording it up at the Harp
Lastly, if you ever do get the chance to see the band play, I'd heartily endorse it, as I have had lots of fun at many of their gigs before. I think with their EP though, it is a band who are very talented and are definitely onto a good thing, but could probably do better. I'd definitely like to hear what they have up their sleeves for an album.
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