Those who want nothing more than Rasta-metal screech coming from the throat of
Bad Brains should pass on this solo disc. Those who skanked to the reggaefied groove of
H.R.'s (aka Joseph 1, Paul Hudson) so-so earlier discs on Olive Tree should like this tons...Rather than go for a standard roots/dancehall style, the accent is on a harder,
Parliament-style proto-gogo with touches of soul and jazz. Granted, it lacks the insane intensity of
The Brains' work, but it succeeds on subtler levels. Lyrically, there are no surprises -- plenty of peace and love vibes and rote Jah worship, but the band (
Brains' Earl Hudson, drums;
Kenny Dread, bass; David Byers, guitar; and
Oscar Brown, Jr., keys) is tight without being tightassed, and give more than adequate support to
H.R.'s croon-to-whine vocals... ~ John Dougan, Option s2_88