Pama International - Highrise Campaign album

Pama Intl are proud to announce the launch of their next release...The Highrise Campaign, an anti-knife & gun album, featuring versions of Pama Intl's anti-knife/gun anthem 'Highrise' by; Studio One legend Dennis Alcapone, Billy Bragg, Michie One, Wrongtom (best known for his work with Hard Fi and recent Roots Manuva album), G.Corp, Mungos Hi Fi, Lynval Golding (The Specials) and Banana Clan protege Jimmy Screech. Proceeds from the album will be going to a number of UK children's charities including; Kids Company, London and Basement Studios, Bristol.

It is very plain for everyone to see that knife and gun crime is out of control in the UK. Everyone involved with the making of Highrise, is truly passionate about spreading a positive message, as well as providing funding, mentoring and opportunities to the younger generations. All the charity's chosen by Pama Intl in this campaign do amazing work, actively give youths opportunities, support and guidance on a daily basis. In addition to to the album's release, Pama Intl will be taking this vital message on the road. They will performing a series of club shows, as well as matinee performances and workshops for under 18s throughout 2009.

The first thing that totally impressed me about this album was the packaging, styled inna vinyl LP style – that is, an outer cover with an inner sleeve and a CD that is printed to look like a record. Also the track listing is done in a side 1 and side 2 – top marks boys, well impressed.

Regular readers of our site will know we love Pama and have supported them since before they were signed by Trojan. This album only strengthens my liking of the band and their productions.

From the outset one thing is noticed straight away, the first 4 tracks are totally mixed together. All are versions of ‘Highrise’ (their next single) with different MC’s doing their business. In fact the whole of ‘side 1’ is based on the same track, with different sound systems such as the mighty Mungo’s HiFi providing mixes and different angles of the track. Mungo’s version is as strong as their not long release album, just going to show that the guys from Scotland are serious contenders in today’s Reggae music scene.

Once you hit side 2 (tracks 6 > 9) then we bring on some classic tracks with a new twist. The awesome Dennis Alcapone does some versions of his hit single ‘No More Guns’ with a totally 3000 style riddims – top marks. Track 8 is flowing on from ‘No More Guns’ style but with Jimmy Screech providing the vocals with his ‘Do They Ever Wonder’ lyrics, this is then followed by ‘No More instruments’.

To round up, this is in essence an EP of 2 tracks but feels much, much more. Together with an important message about today’s society and knife culture I have to give this album top marks.

The album is not available in the shops until 2nd February 2009, but it is available on CD (vinyl to follow) NOW online from Rockers Revolt only:

>> Rockers Revolt Shop

Reviewed by Dean Marcel – UKRG Crew

Track Listing:

01. Highrise ft.Michie One

02. Versionrise ft.Dennis Alcapone

03. To Have & To Have Not Version ft. Billy Bragg

04. Breton Brutality (Wrongtom dub)

05. Highrise (Mungos Hi Fi dubstep)

06. No More Guns, Love Is Easy

07. No More Guns (G.Corp dub)

08. Do They Ever Wonder? ft.Jimmy Screech

09. No More Instrumental