Album Review

Natural Incense – Natural Incense

• 2nd Feb 2008

With the obvious ska movement making waves at the moment, with the likes of Sonic Boom Six, The King Blues and numerous other highly motivated reggae tinged acts, it’s a pleasant surprise to hear the relaxed and easy going reggae sound of Natural Incense (NI) fighting the stereotypical reggae sound without turning into something horrid like Simply Red. The Ozric Tentacles mirroring artwork is a nice touch too!

And I Dream: The reggae aspect here is kept cleverly restrained beyond dreamy guitars whilst at the very same time it’s obvious that reggae is vital to the successful construct and sound. I generally find that most reggae infusions are a little too eager to fly the Jamaican flag as it were. This is finely balanced and deliciously delivered and I like it!

Realization of a Nation: A stronger vocal than the wispier singing previously offered adds a certain depth and dimension of importance to the music. Though the song has changed, to some extent the sound remains the same. That said, it’s still fantastic and as enjoyable as any Natural Life (remember them?) track.

Another world: Perhaps my least favourite track here, owing to its seemingly mindless meandering and open sound-scape. That said, the instrumentation, like the vocal, is as sharp as ever and stands up in its own right as a worthy contribution.

Natural Incense: We could’ve used some vocal diversity by now, but that can be forgiven. The slinkier guitars and the larger epic sound that is mastered toward the close of the sometimes ill-paced track are all the rewards needed here.

Its not where you’re at, it’s where you’re from, that’s what I say anyways. Check this out for a quote folks! –

We are a family first. We want to make the world a better place. We love to see people dancing to the music we play. We care, we give, we are honest and as hard working as they come. It’s about who we are and why we play. We want to tour the world. We thank everyone who believes in us. We know how lucky we are. It goes on but you get the idea.

That’s right… Californian musicians are a decent bunch. It’s hardly surprising that these guys have been as successful as they have and attracted the kind of exposure they so honestly deserve. Despite its dynamic shortcoming, this EP serves as a catalyst of what will surely be a fantastic LP, given the right songs and delivery as found here, with an extra sprinkle of imagination thrown in of course!