The mighty Congos are back, having been propelled into the reggae forefront once again with the release of the crucial ‘Fisherman Style’ album from Blood and Fire, the original line-up return with ‘Swinging Bridge’.

The years have seen many changes for the Congos, including the release of several below par albums, including '‘Natty Dread Rise Again’. However in 2005 Cedric Myton recorded ‘Give Them The Rights’ featuring a host of backing singers and session players such as Sly and Robbie, and had very much returned to that old time spiritual Congos sound.

‘Swinging Bridge’ will, without a doubt, keep the Congos firmly at the head of roots music. This instalment is outstanding and stands alone as a modern classic. The standard of musicianship, production and care that have been poured into this release is tremendous. The band recaptures the magic of their music, which once propelled them to the highest of musical heights. The opening track ‘Revolution’ is an absolute joy, the vocal range remains, as does that deep, spiritual, heady roots vibe. This music is straight ahead, stripped down roots music, with words of true wisdom gracing every tune.

Each track will amaze you; those truly awesome vocal harmonies remain remarkably haunting, and age hasn’t dampened the group’s enthusiasm. Tracks such as ‘Black Market Babies’, ‘Swinging Bridge’, ‘Beatles Come’ and ‘Fraud System’ are sung with such a passion and zeal, each could have easily been recorded back in that ‘golden age’ of roots music.

‘Swinging Bridge’ creates a powerful, spiritual, musical sensation and easily stands up against the best reggae has to offer. Very highly recommended.

Review by Jumpup

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