At its heart is of course roots reggae, and Pele’s association with Steel Pulse is celebrated with their collaboration on the initial track, the call to arms of Freedom Fighter – F.Y.A.H. is the support act for their 50th Anniversary tour. Never Give Up is another declaration of commitment to the cause. Guitarist Nicolas Groskopf and lead singer Elton Earlington are the other members of the band, plus many others – Nico can be clearly heard particularly adding a delicate and appropriate flavouring to Free Your Heart, and a generous helping of blues-rock guitar to Where You Gonna Run, whilst the vocals are very fine throughout on material that at times recalls the classic recordings of Bob Marley, Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown and others.
When I’m With You is a very listenable lover’s duet with the excellent UK singer Hollie Cook, whilst Live My Life has a subtle contemporary American soul and hop-hop tinge. Hold Up I Head has some fine acoustic guitar work with a very discrete Latin tinge, presumably played by guest Glen Browne (who also sings), and a fine nyabinghi accompaniment. Italian reggae ambassador and a previous guest with Raging Fyah, Alborosie guests on I Believe, adding his instrumental skills, before the big-sounding positive finale of the ballad-like Brighter Day ensures the listener goes off with a good vibe – or perhaps just presses “play” once again.