Search - Aswad :: New Chapter

Within the very crowded field of British reggae, Aswad stood out. Debuting in the mid-'70s, the band had a smart, cutting-edge sound while maintaining strong roots-reggae ties. Never was this lethal combination more brilliantly exemplified than on 1981's New Chapter. The album never achieved the commercial success it deserved--the subsequent dub version A New Chapter of Dub sold better--but it still received raves from knowledgeable fans and critics alike. People were no doubt knocked out by the band's vocal harmonies, which were smooth and sexy enough to give most any soul singer a run for his or her money. Helmed by innovative producer Mikey Campbell, New Chapter's arrangements were equally tasty, featuring understated horns, writing that was far from formulaic (with all sorts of odd musical twists), and a modern sound that incorporated new technology, including synthesizers and production advances that are now considered standard. This reissue also includes two additional 12-inch singles with their accompanying dub version B-sides. --Tad Hendrickson