Israel Vibration ADD
Reggae Music Never Dies! Israel Vibration Announces New Album for 2025
12/04/2024 by Press Release
From the sun-drenched streets of Kingston, Jamaica, where reggae’s heartbeat pulses eternal, Israel Vibration has long been a symbol of resilience and hope, weaving stories of struggle and triumph through their conscious lyrics and iconic harmonies.
Their much-anticipated new album, Reggae Music Never Dies, is set to grace the world on February 28th, 2025, available on digital platforms, CD, and vinyl. Preceded by a pair of singles, this collection of ten fresh tracks unites the echoes of the past with the vibrant pulse of the present.
It features the poignant final recordings of the late, great Cecil “Skelly” Spence, alongside new creations from Lacelle “Wiss” Bulgin—the last original member of this legendary trio. Carrying the torch with unwavering passion, Wiss continues to inspire, touring the world and touching hearts, as Israel Vibration remains a cornerstone of reggae music history.
The seed for this project was planted during the stillness of the pandemic when Aston Barrett Jr. of The Wailers reached out to express his admiration. He offered to produce a song, a fitting homage to Israel Vibration’s iconic Unconquered People (1979) album, which featured members of The Wailers, including Aston “Family Man” Barrett, his father. This sparked a vision among Skelly, Wiss, and their management: to revive the essence of Unconquered People with Aston Barrett Jr.’s mastery of The Wailers' timeless sound.
Amid the global lockdown, innovation thrived. Guided by Rafael Costa, Skelly, and Wiss transformed their homes into makeshift studios, recording vocals, some arrangements, and harmonies with nothing but their phones and their musical instruments. These precious recordings traveled across time and space, landing in the capable hands of Aston Barrett Jr. He infused the tracks with the spirit of his father Aston, his uncle, Carlton Barrett, and legendary Wailers such as Tyrone Downie and Earl “Wyah” Lindo.
Barrett Jr. produced and mixed the album, played bass, drums, rhythm guitar, piano, and percussion — bringing the sound of roots reggae alive once more. Joining him are an ensemble of reggae luminaries: Dwight Pinkney, Kubix, and Thales "Lion Farmer" on lead guitar; Dean Fraser on saxophone; Randy “Tromboclaat” Fletcher on trombone; Okiel McIntyre on trumpet; Carol Dexter on backing vocals; and percussionists Abidan Tafari and Kemoy "Chippy" Outar. Grammy-winning engineer Christopher Daley mastered the album to a great sound.
This musical odyssey was brought to life in studios across the globe: Bad Lions Studio (Pompano Beach, Florida), 5th Street (Austin, Texas), Tuff Gong (Kingston, Jamaica), and even Skelly’s Auto (New York, USA).
The producers Rafael Costa and Henrique Pesqueira of Riddim Agency have overseen the project with care, while the stunning artwork is crafted by Marcelo Ment, Rangel Melkunas, and Rafael Costa. Distributed in Europe by Baco Distribution, Reggae Music Never Dies is more than an album—it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of reggae.
Come February, let the rhythm of Israel Vibration remind us all that reggae’s heart beats on, eternal and unyielding.
TRACKLIST
01. Next Generation*
02. Wake Up*
03. Natty Farmer**
04. Don’t Let Dem Make You Do*
05. Gun Hawk*
06. Reggae Music Never Dies**
07. Dem a Fight*
08. Herbal Cure*
09. Different Enemies**
10. After the Storm feat. Aston Barrett Jr.*
* Lead vocals by Lacelle “Wiss” Bulgin
** Lead vocals by Cecil “Skelly” Spence
