Discovering Madrid-based Mango Wood through their 2020 release Stomp You Down was a delightful introduction to the band and their music. In fact, it sparked a desire for their next album. After a long four-year wait, that follow-up album is finally released under Liquidator Music, and it unequivocally lives up to the anticipation.
Despite lineup shifts since Stomp You Down and venturing into more complex arrangements, Mango Wood’s core musical identity remains steadfast. They’ve firmly held onto their distinct and characteristic sound, deeply rooted in Boss reggae – a collector’s term for a particular style of upfront late ’60s/early ’70s reggae.
Musically, the 12-track album offers a diverse exploration within the early reggae landscape, showcasing lively tracks, pieces that evoke a soft sadness, and tunes that carry a bluesy undertone, while lyrically the band delves into a rich array of themes.
This collection begins and concludes with a captivating love song; Long Time and By Your Side aka Shine respectively. Notably, Long Time is a delightfully catchy tune that makes you want to get up and dance. The riddim slows in the defiant second track, The Leap, but quickly picks up again in Ram It All Night, which matches the energy of the album’s opener. The fantastic organ-heavy instrumental Attica 71 caps off an opening segment that spares no punches. Following this is King Rat, a superb track that carries a distinct bluesy vibe, succeeded by the soothing Hurts When I’m Gone, an emotionally resonant piece that’s a sheer pleasure to enjoy. Next, The Sound Of Now claims the spotlight on the album that bears its name. The last part of the featured songs continues to showcase excellent material, with great tracks like The Whiner and The Colt From Manjatan, although Man In Town and Cool Down also deserve recognition.
This new Mango Wood album truly allows you to immerse yourself in its sound and feel. If you do so, you’ll have lots of fun!