Backbeat Soundsystem: Together Not Apart

Artist: Backbeat Soundsystem
Title: Together Not Apart
Format Reviewed: Stream
Format Released: 13th October 2014 (MP3)
Reviewed By: Dan Stoten

You have high hopes for an album when it's released on a label commonly known for publishing some pretty legendary records. You also have high hopes when the press information accompanying the album states that it's "organic, fresh reggae"; and also when the band's fans assisted in funding the record through a Kickstarter campaign.

You then know that all of these high hopes are being met when half way through your first listen to the first track on the album you reach for your headphones so you can properly, and I mean properly, hear it, basslines and all.

To give you a quick overview of the band: Backbeat Soundsystem are a Cornwall-based reggae outfit who combine what can only be described as silky-smooth melodies, vocals and harmonies with deliciously deep, dubbed-up basslines and delightfully old-school tinged MCing. Scattered amongst this you've got some fantastic brass elements and a two-tone feel, as well as politically-charged lyrics.

To give you a quick overview of Together Not Apart: this is a record which gets better as you go through it; it's a record which improves on every listen; and it's a record which I defy you to not want in your collection.

The album starts on a really perky, upbeat note with Fighting Bull. Personally I think Backbeat Soundsytem are at their absolute best with a slightly more chilled out and relaxed groove; but this is a bouncy introduction to the album which carries more than enough brilliance to grab your headphones as mentioned earlier. The bassline here, especially about two minutes in, is absolutely outstanding, and provides a gorgeous backbone for the rest song to hang on. Lyrically, too, it's a very wise track, with some good life advice given throughout...

We then bounce and skank our way into Hey Girl, which has the same upbeat, energetic feel as the opening song. There are some delightfully ambient synths here combining well with Dean and Darren's vocal input. For me, though, it's the chorus which is the clear highlight: it's a truly joyous, get-up-and-dance thing. Three-quarters of the way through the song, too, listeners are served a delightfully funky curveball. It's this variation and talent which makes the record overall so sublime.

From the first two tracks, which could be seen as the party in full swing, the album takes a more relaxed, darker feel. It's almost the story of a night: the party, energetic and bouncy; flowing into the smoother, quieter end of the night. Against It All is the third track, and the first one where BBSS' vocal melodies really come to the fore. Combined with a heavy presence of brass and a booming, choppy bassline, this is a clear shift from the opening two tracks: but a change that is truly addictive. It's from here on in that it gets nigh-on impossible to choose a favourite track from the album.

I Spy is the fourth track, and combines heartfelt lyrics with another deep, grooving bassline. The chorus is accessible and addictive, while the track overall has a brilliant contrast between meaningful lyrics and a spring in it's step. Words Are The Weapon comes next, clearly displaying it's message in it's title. Darren's MCing adds a brilliant extra element to the multi-layered song here, capping what is a technical and challenging musical piece.

Come Undone, a track which has had over 30,000 listens, comes next. It's clear to see why, as it's one of the most pick-up-and-play songs on the album. It could be argued that it's not the deepest song on the record, and the most obviously a single: but it's still a quality tune. The problem it has is it's surrounded by so much excellence!

I could continue to wax lyrical about Together Not Apart for the rest of the evening; however, I don't want to make this into too much of a repetitive review. It's fair to say you won't be disappointed with any of the remaining six tracks: Losing Faith with it's emotion-shredding heartfelt lyrics; Forever Never with it's Bob Marley-esque feel; Burning Up with it's intricate brass.

For me, this is a record which combines the very best of modern, twenty-first century reggae, with the right amount of influence from the old-school. It's an addictive, accessible album which makes you feel good when you listen to it. It's a top, top record, and one you need in your collection.