Talisman
Don't Play With Fyah
Most bands with a history that stretches back four decades are content to go through the motions, their creative peak somewhere in the past; not Talisman. Their new album includes some of the strongest material they've ever recorded, with seven brand new songs and the corresponding dub counter parts; this is their finest album to date. With such strong material we knew we had to pull out all the stops when it came to the final mixes and who better than legendary musician, producer, engineer and all round British reggae genius Dennis Bovell (Matumbi, Steel Pulse, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Aswad, Madness, Orange Juice, The Slits) who has taken the songs to the next level and given us the strongest British reggae album in years. The album kicks off with "Relijan", a roots anthem with lyrics that resonate with contemporary relevance whilst the music has the timeless feel of the best seventies roots. This track raises the game for Talisman and puts them on par with such British greats as Aswad, Steel Pulse and Misty in Roots at their best; without doubt destined to be seen as a classic of the genre. The pace and the lyrical intent doesn't let up: "Talkin' Revolution" is a brand new song yet imbued with the feel and vibes of early eighties Talisman."She Look like Reggae" is a charming piece of observational song writing that rewards repeated listening with hidden depths and use of a full horn section. It's hard to overstate Dennis Bovell's contribution to British music, reggae in particular and we can't think of anyone more qualified to mix these tracks. Dub mixes really are his forte and the seven dub versions here, deliver in every way; true dub re-imaginings and not mere afterthoughts