Handsworth Revolution/Rastafari Centennial

ompared to the crossover-oriented, synthesizer-heavy sound of its mid-1980s records (EARTH CRISIS and STATE OF EMERGENCY), the vibe of Steel Pulse's 1978 debut is pure, stripped-down roots. HANDSWORTH REVOLUTION may not appeal to fans of the band's later formula, but there is no denying the spare, surging energy of cuts like "Bad Man" and "Sound Check", with their classic reggae rhythms. The record also shows that Steel Pulse's political and religious convictions emerged fully formed--"Ku Klux Klan" and "Prediction" establish the band's militant stance on social issues and Rastafarian beliefs.
But for all of the group's hard-edged allegiance to traditional reggae principles, Steel Pulse distinguishes itself from its Jamaican influences (the band is from Birmingham, England) with a sleek, tight-knit sound that contains uniquely textured percussion webs and the hints of pop and jazz fusion. (The bridge in the title cut wouldn't sound out of place in a Steely Dan song.) That Steel Pulse is able to mix these musical advances with a no-nonsense roots sensibility is among the reasons for the group's longevity and popularity. The ensemble's auspicious debut marks that trajectory, and remains one of the strongest and most compelling releases in its catalogue.|