Hard to imagine as it may be, it’s been six years since BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH enjoyed a summer of triumph with ‘When The Night Feels My Song’, the mainstream-bothering single that led to two years of solid touring. Things appear a little quieter for the band these days but quiet shouldn’t be mistaken for lack of achievement. ‘Light The Horizon’, the band’s fourth album, may well be the best yet.
After a September North American issue, it’s taken nearly eight months for ‘Light The Horizon’ to attain a UK release, but it’s been a worthwhile wait. The Toronto trio have shaped an impressive tome of tranquil reggae and soul-edged world-pop. Understated strings, deep bass grooves and the inimitable vocals of Jay Malinowski form the foundations while subtle instrumentation and underlying organs infuse a further richness.
For the most part, the more impacting punk-rock element s of 2007’s ‘Street Gospels’ have been brushed to the side in favour of unperturbed simplicity, calm and romanticism. ‘Follow The Sun’ and ‘A Chance Of Rain’ are examples of the chilled approach, no urgency just a steady approach. ‘Brutal Hearts’, a duet with Canadian pop star, Cœur De Pirate, is a stirring number, an ethereal violin-tinged piece.
That’s not to say the band no longer knows how to get down. Lead single, ‘Mountain Top’, with its big chorus and swift tempo manages to be composed yet pressing, while ‘Elongo’ is simply booming at points.
Ultimately, ‘Light The Horizon’ owes as much to the likes of Paul Simon (particularly ‘May You Be The Road’) as it does the punk and ska bands that the band have previously been lumped with. It’s still a Bedouin Soundclash album – don’t worry there – it’s only this sounds a little more accomplished, a little more personal, and just a little more beautiful.
ALEX HAMBLETON