Sound Republic: Album Reviews

Rastawookie debut in style

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By Erin Schrieber
11 September 2007

Related Artists

Rastawookie

Related Albums

Perfectly Ordinary

Many of Sydney’s roots/reggae music lovers have seen local band Rastawookie go from strength to strength in the last few years. Those fans who’ve come to expect high energy live sets, and top notch musicianship from this group will not be disappointed by their debut album.

The laid back reggae jam of Open Sesame is a good start to what is a pretty solid album that, in true Rastawookie style, crosses as many genres as it can.

Many People is a very danceable little track, with some great percussive touches in here. While the lyrics are a little simple and repetitive at times, the fantastic bass line carries the song along well. The bands South American roots shine through in Cada Vez Mas; the guys all contribute towards backup vocals here, as well as managing some punchy percussion and a salsa sound that will have your hips shaking. Singer Giannina Casanova brings her own distinct sound to the record; her voice has plenty of guts and attitude, but she can also do sweetly seductive when it suits, too, such as on the bright and brassy Swing. Rise showcases their ability within the drum & bass genre; the song translates well from live gigs to this record, it’s been skillfully captured. The unpredictability of this album is occasionally annoying, when all you want is a little consistency, but it also works well to keep you listening from start to finish, and will make for a record that stays fresh and full of surprises after many listens.

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