Bugle ADD

Review

Review: Bugle - Reggae Knowledge EP

02/26/2016

Bugle is back! After his celebrated debut album Anointed (the music of which still accompanies me every day, especially its one-in-a million title track), he releases a crisp EP filled with six fresh pieces that combine his excellent lyricism and vocal delivery with sweet melodies and driving riddims. Compared to its predecessor which was very serious, pensive and at times melancholy, Reggae Knowledge seems to have an overall more positive outlook, even though the relevance of the subjects treated remains.

Dem Cyaan Know kicks off with a joyful riddim on which Bugle explains that he won't share hardship and problems with anyone but the Most High. His deep faith and devotion shine through as well in Judge Not - "leave that to the Father!". And indeed, a little less judging would do all of us a lot of good, be it prejudices, injustices or judgements based on physical appearances. Talk with, not about people!

Ex-Man on a high-spirited One Drop is a love song of a different kind, rejoicing in the fact the woman of his choice separated from her husband and is now free for "the best man (...) she gives all the ratings". While singing about how he introduces the empress to the blessings of Rastafarian lifestyle, his unique lyrical flow, the ease with which he is riding any riddim in his characteristic rough-soft voice comes to the fore. Replay and replay again! The beauty of the underlying riddim is extensively celebrated further in the subsequent Dub version. After having been nearly exiled from mainstream Reggae on the island, Dub indeed seems to be firmly back in Jamaica (as recent releases such as Micah Shemaiah, Jah Ova Evil or Runkus show).

With the Anthony Rose combination Sound Bwoy Dead, the versatile artist enters the Dancehall on a powerful 90s Dancehall relick. Lighters! The last tune keeps the party mood bubbling: Never Let Go featuring Mr. Easy is a fleet-footed flirt with the thing called attraction between man and woman.

In BiggyMusic, Bugle obviously found the perfect match for a tangy little something to deliver our way. Again, his music is love on first note, and I am already curious to hear what is to come next!