On their final LP for
Janus Records
,
Cymande
continues the heavy message theme of
Second Time Round
.
"Pon de Dungle"
is about the secrets of life and love articulated over a lazy beat.
"Equatorial Forest"
is a multifaceted tune with a lightning tempo and sliding, accentuating horns, while the
Curtis Mayfield
-ish
"Brothers on the Slide"
has some commercial appeal. The flavorful
"Changes"
is like viewing a good oil painting; the slow, moody instrumental has a meditating effect, and a soft, airy flute makes for an inconspicuous lead instrument.
"Promised Heights,"
the title cut, is strong, and should have done better for
. It has the lilt and beauty of earlier sides, the horn work is sensational, and a nice sax solo scintillates. That same looping reggae beat is matched with meaningful lyrics and a positive, working-together theme on
"Losing Ground."
"The Recluse"
has a great hook ("When will all the lights go, will they leave the blackest night") and features a nice romping beat spiced by sweeping horns.
is a perfect example of music's universal appeal; despite not knowing 70-percent of what they're saying, you're still drawn into the sounds. [The 2007
Newhouse
edition contains bonus tracks.] ~ Andrew Hamilton