I contacted Dan I asking for as copy of his latest works after checking a few tunes on myspace. What landed on my desk was the album ‘Rastafari Judgement Fire’. Recorded at Big Island Studio (Olbia) and Jah Step Studio (Belluno), this is a unique release for several reasons. Firstly the album was entirely arranged utilizing the internet, from the compilation of the rhythms; the vocal compositions; acquisition of the instruments to the final arrangement. In fact, each track took shape by means of multiple exchanges of audio and midi files between the respective studios. Secondly the album is extremely powerful and a joy to spin.

‘Rastafari Judgement Fire’ contains sixteen tracks which all share the principles of heavy steppers and one drop style roots. The album is also full of previously unreleased material and several awesome dubplates. Another shared principle on the album is the ever present vocal skills of the mighty Dan I.

This album is packed full of top quality, heavy hitting, sound system styled tunes. Essentially the album is spilt into two halves. The first showcases the talent that is Dan I. These tunes thunder along without compromise and will test the speakers of any sound system. Tunes such as ‘Pope’, ‘Vampire’ and ‘Fire Burn’ will leave you in no doubt about the intent of this release – to spread the teachings of His Imperial Majesty through the power of thunderous roots music. The tune that sums up the whole ethos of the album is ‘Dreadful’, an unstoppable force of music which just screams to be played as loud as possible.

The second half of the album comprises of dub versions. This is where King Kietu fully conveys his militant style. Each tune surpasses the next in terms of raw energy and power. Drop any of Kietu’s dubs at a dance and they will, without question, raise the roof and shake the foundations to it core. Check ‘Pope Dub’, ‘Throne Dub’ and ‘Perfect dub’ for prime examples!

Throughout the album Dan I and Kietu are backed by various international artists such as Jonah Dan & Paul Fox (Dub down the vampire); John Sprosen of Alpha (Fire Burn, melodica arrangements) and Jah Youth (Reason, nyahbinghi arrangements).

Once you spin this release, you can’t help but acknowledge the sense of passion and hard-work that went into its making. This is without a doubt a powerful and passionate piece of musical inspiration. Go get yourself a copy!

Review by Jumpup

1. Strength Of My Life

2. Hail Rastafari

3. Pope

4. Dreadful

5. Vampire

6. Fire Burn

7. Perfect Love Dubplate

8. Ababajanhoy Dubplate

9. Reason

10. Pope Dub

11. Wailin’ Dubplate

12. Burnin’ Dub

13. Throne Dub

14. Dub Down The Vampire ft Jonah Dan & Paul Fox

15. Perfect Dub

16. Teachings Dub