batch – to the root

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Batch – To the Root (SoundVIZion 2007)

Batch’s latest release To the Root (Sound Vizion Records) follows in the path of a steady flow of quality modern roots releases out of the Virgin Islands. With the rhythm section of Bassist Phil “Pix” Merchant—of Midntie and Bambu Station fame—and Batch himself credited on 11 of 16 cuts, the album delivers with diverse and penetrating productions. Batch’s lyrics and delivery match the intensity of the rhythms, and are perfectly balanced by the “frontground” vocals provided by Ima. Building on the success of earlier releases Who You Are, Keep the Faith, and Jah Guidance, Batch continues to keep it fresh with heartfelt, heavy roots music.
The opening offering, “Don’t Give Up” falls short of displaying the depth that is to come on the CD, though the lyrics are positive and the mid-tempo rhythm is solid. “Liberation” meanwhile captures the brilliance of Batch’s vocal skills over a slower and more melodic tune. Following this formula, the title track is a quality cut, but not a standout on the album. On “Wha Wrang Wid Dem,” Batch is joined once again by the talented chanter Ambush as they lament the sorrow caused by violence locally and globally. The compulsory herb tune on the release is “Centripetal Smoke”—a creatively titled effort with passionate lyrics and delivery despite the unimpressive instrumental track. “Carry Beyond” is a fantastic tune that touches on the African roots of the Caribbean experience. The rhythm—produced by Batch—works perfectly, with a staccato string line skipping over the bouncing bass line. The next selection “Hail the King” is another highlight of the release despite a slightly over-produced and thoroughly R&Bish feel. While the instrumental track leaves much to be desired, Batch carries the tune with insightful vocals and a genuine delivery. Fellow VI singer Ras Attitude joins Batch for “We Stay” over a deep rhythm produced by “EayGee” Gordon featuring renowned musicians Kenyatta Itola on Bass and Tuff Lion on Guitar. Attitude and Batch trade verses with ease and compliment one another to the fullest on this standout track.
Moving into the second half of the CD, “Conquer” and “Luv Mama” stand out as two of the album’s low points due to overproduced, repetitive rhythms and mediocre lyrics. Batch is joined by Nazarite on “Free de People”—an excellent cut replete with conscious and pertinent lyrics, heavy production, and impressive “frontground” vocals. Up next is another highlight of the release, “Generation” produced by Melame Gange and backed by the Blakkstar Band and “Tappie” on lead guitar. Batch is at his best over this one drop rhythm, wailing heartfelt and uplifting lyrics with tangible passion. A decent tune, “Good People” is lost in the momentum of “Generation” with an unimpressive rhythm track that falls short despite solid vocals and uplifting lyrics. Ima is given a chance to shine on “Cry Out,” displaying her depth as a vocalist over a mellow acoustic guitar rhythm. Trading verses with ease, Ima and Batch both offer chilling vocals addressing atrocities and suffering in Rwanda, Darfur, and across the globe. Batch again skillfully handles the more ‘live’ and less ‘produced’ instrumental track of “Babylon,” yet falls into a slightly corny and sentimental vein for the closing tune “African Queen” on which he is joined by Ahfyah.
Overall this release stands tall as a testament to the thriving modern roots scene originating in the VI. With diverse and relatively consistent productions paired with vocal dexterity and heartfelt sincerity, To the Root follows in the footsteps that Batch established for himself as a musician on his earlier offerings. Despite an overproduced production style on a number of cuts, this album does not disappoint, and deserves a place in the collection of any person seriously interested in the music that today’s generation singers and deejays are cultivating in the Caribbean and across the globe.

Reviewed by Tristram Keefe

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Posted: May 24th, 2007
at 5:48pm by trizlam

 


Categories: music

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