Steel Pulse

Steel Pulse - Tribute To The Martyrs - Island

Steel Pulse, at the time the most under estimated and defamed force of the British Reggae vanguard, hereby declare their

current standing to all cynics and detractors, anxious fans and benefactors. They are now steadier than a rock, much harder than

some, and a good deal more enterprising. The set is dominated, as a man might deduce by vociferous paeans to various black

figureheads and heroes, some of whom are graphically depicted on the suitably intriguing sleeve. Whilst 'Biko's Kindred Lament' and

'Uncle George' (Jackson) are both excellent, fulfilling songs, especially the latter, the most compulsively attractive offering of the

immediate genre is the title track - an adventurous vocal combination, with David Hinds’ lead as delightfully searing as ever,

which segues into a chained summary of the 'Martyrs' ideologies and tribulations. Together texture is given to an already heady mixture

by shred introduction of the man Rico's tantalizing trombone, exceedingly pleasant. Elsewhere, the tribute to Jah Spirit, 'Unseen

Ghost' (overt evidence of the new whole hearted espousal of Rastafari), 'Blasphemy (Selah)’ and 'Babylon Makes The Rules', all

boast forcefully unforgettable hooks and inspired, meaningful lyrics, featuring frequent Biblical imagery. The remaining two tracks,

widely touted single 'Sound System' and the self-explanatory 'Jah Pickney' (R.A.R) observation are succinct statements,

effectively expressing the desired sentiments. Despite slight line up alternation, result of that controversial internal altercation, the

group’s maturity, self-confidence and apparent lust progression (one aim) promises for more unilateral approval than the mixed

reactions accorded 'Handsworth Revolution' characteristically right ambitions harmonic arrangements, strong melodies held together

by unquestionable instrumental adeptness and perhaps most important, that insidiously inimitable Steel Pulse sound... Steel Pulse feel

the beat Itinually.