Search - Nazarenes :: Songs of Life

OPEN & READ THE BOOK OF LIFE

Locks Lion | Blue Mountain Peak | 09/12/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"SONGS OF LIFE: The Nazarenes' press releases and music press reviews alike make much of the group's Ethiopian roots - after all, Ethiopia is the adopted spiritual homeland of reggae music, and now the final resting place of reggae hero, Bob Marley. Born and raised in Addis Ababa, and later relocating to Sweden, the Nazarenes are brothers Noah and Medhane Tewolde. First and foremost, SONGS OF LIFE is a reggae record, though subtle East African inflections can be heard, especially in Medhane's wailing vocals; and most surprisingly, there are two or three attempts at a straight Motown sound, which works sometimes (like the unusual SONG OF MARY JANE, which sounds like it belongs on someone else's record), but falls flat on other occasions. Musically, SONGS OF LIFE is quite complex, expressive and above all, very tight, with bright, crisp horn charts, skanking rhythm guitar, and the brothers' accomplished vocal harmonies. I especially liked the luscious SONG OF RIGHTEOUS LIFE, and the classic roots sound of SONG OF WARMONGERS. SONGS OF LIFE is a strong but not entirely consistent release. Ironically, perhaps the biggest disappointment is the Nazarene's fairly strict adherence to reggae conventions where I was rather hoping for some sort of genre-bending Ethio-Jamaican hybrid. That's a minor complaint thought - overall, this is definitely worth checking out."

Spectacular

JahChosen | LA, CA | 02/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just got this CD as part of a premium for contributing to KPFK, one of the Pacifica public radio stations. As with most public radio thank you gifts, I had to wait 4 months to get it. But boy was it well worth the wait!! All I can say is that these two Ethiopian brothers are truly blessed and so are we for hearing their music. I'd give this CD 6 stars if I could. Every track is a gem. If you don't believe me, just sample the lot. The melodies, rhythms, conscious lyrics and almost supernatural harmonizing of these guys make for strong medicine. I can't wait to buy their next album but for now I'm gonna be nourishing my soul with their Songs of Life."