🌴🎤🎶🎹🔥 London’s Aswad are first and foremost Caribbean. The group formed in the mid-70s, accompanying Burning Spears on stage. After starting out with roots reggae, Aswad took a turn in the 80s, incorporating r’n’b and soul into their influences. Add a good pinch of synths and the sauce hits the spot, as shown by Distant Thunder, released in 1988. The reggae is shimmering and leans towards pop without ever losing its way. The album opens with a cover of Cymande’s Message, and includes two of the band’s hits: Don’t Turn Around and Give A Little Love. Aswad sways between Caribbean groove and dub, with a zest of ragga here and melodies that get stuck in your head. Chances are you’ll be whistling their International Melodie for a long time to come! Distant Thunder is one of Brinsley Forde, Drummie Zeb and Tony Gad‘s greatest hits, and despite a few departures, the band is still going strong today.
Distant Thunder – Aswad, 1988
