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Together (RAS, 1999) For those who think that Latin reggae begins and ends with the bands on the great Viva la Rasta compilation, take a listen to this Chilean band's impassioned American debut. Featuring the self-assured sound of a veteran group, Together is a full-blooded, charming gem. Like fellow Latino reggae acts King Chango and The Toyes, there is a certain amount of Latin edge to Gondwana's music (particularly in their prevalent horns and up-tempo rhythms), but there is no doubt that they are grounded in a sincere, unswerving devotion to roots reggae. Despite their relative inexperience, the group's songwriting and musical skills are polished, and the power of their songs translates through the language barrier (All but one of their tunes here are sung in Spanish.). Their tunes run the gamut from the fun party vibes of "Reggae Is Coming" and "Nubes del Firmamento" to peaceful love songs like "Armonia de Amor" and "Smile Souling" to powerhouse cultural statements like "Jah Children," a gorgeous, evocative almost Sting-like (but don't let that scare you) instant classic featuring subtle African drums and killer vocals. Listening to this song alone should make you want to buy this album, and if you do, you won't be disappointed. |
| Track Listing 1. Reggae Is Coming 2. Chainga Langa 3. Sentimento Original (Original Feeling) 4. Irie 5. Jah Children 6. Orgullosa Mole (Proud Heap) 7. Guerra (War) 8. Armonia de Amor (Harmony of Love) 9. Smile Souling 10. Pincoya Calipso (Pincoya Calypso) 11. Pidigueno (Beggar Boy) 12. Nubes del Firmamento (Clouds From Heaven) 13. Jah Children [Nyahbinghi Dub Version] |
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Second Coming (RAS, 2000)
Also known as Alabanzas, Second Coming cements Gondwana's position as a leading force on today's roots reggae scene. This album sounds like a continuation of their RAS debut, Together; it features the same genuine roots sound with quality songwriting, passionate vocals, and fine-tuned musicianship. They remind me a bit of another group of newcomers, John Brown's Body, although perhaps not as edgy, with a bit less of a focus on heavy drum and bass. On Second Coming, Gondwana moves adeptly between a loose, mellow style -- as on "Verde, Amarillo y Rojo" and the outstanding, tender pair of love songs "Dulce Amor" and "Antonia" -- and a harder, more righteous sound -- as on "Solo Es Verdadero," "Libros Sagrados," the forceful "Traficantes de Fe," and the Latin-flavored "Martires." I didn't think the group could top their debut, but Second Coming is truly special. There's something for every roots reggae fan here, whether you speak Spanish or not.
| Track Listing 1. Keep the Faith 2. Defendamos (Let's Defend) 3. Solo Es Verdadero (Your Love Is the Only Truth) 4. Martires (Martyrs) 5. Traficantes de Fe (Traffickers in Faith) 6. Antonia 7. Dulce Amor (Sweet Love) 8. Verde, Amarillo y Rojo (Green, Yellow and Red) 9. Alabanza (Praise) 10. Libros Sagrados (Sacred Books) 11. Libertad (Freedom) 12. Jah Guide |
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Made in Jamaica (RAS, 2002)
Made in Jamaica is just that; made in Jamaica. For the first time, Gondwana decided to record an album in the birthplace of reggae music, and judging from the result, maybe they should return to Chile. Not that this album is bad -- indeed, it's quite good -- it's just that their previous two efforts set such a high standard, this one ultimately disappoints. I don't know if it has anything to do with where the album was recorded, but Gondwana seems to be experimenting with expanding their sound a bit here, throwing in elements of dancehall on cuts like "Visualiza," "La Barca," "Fuego," and "Jam-aica" (the latter two featuring some chatting by DJs), as well as rock guitars on "Ignorancia" and even some Indian strings and tablas on "Crying & Dying." These experiments don't always work as well as they could, but that isn't what makes Made in Jamaica a disappointment. Rather, the songs in general just lack that certain magic, that breezy, seemingly effortless catchiness that made their other albums so special. The music and particularly the melodies just seem flat on tracks like "Ignorancia," "La Barca," "Nadie Como Tu," and "Jam-aica." That said, Volver a Sentir" and "Dime" epitomize the classic lovers sound that the group has perfected and easily rank among their best. The righteous "Fuego" and the buoyant "Felicidad" are also strong. Though not excellent, Made in Jamaica should still provide solace for fans yearning for fresh Gondwana.
| Track Listing 1. Felicidad (Happiness) 2. Visualiza (Visualizing) 3. Fuego (Fire) 4. Ignorancia (Ignorance) 5. Volver a Sentir (To Feel Again) 6. Nuestros Suenos (Our Dreams) 7. La Barca (The Boat) 8. Te Recuerdo Amanda (I Remember You, Amanda) 9. Dime (Tell Me) 10. Nadie Como Tu (No One Like You) 11. 11 de Septiembre (September 11) 12. Crying & Dying (Ruidos De Guerra) 13. South American Man 14. Jam-aica |
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