Israel Vibration - Jericho

Israel Vibration have long been popular among the hippified, roots-rock-reggae crowd, and while they may not be the most innovative of artists they certainly impart a strong message of peace and positivity to their fans. Jericho, Israel Vibration's second release since the group pared itself from a trio to a duo, contains no great revelations, but it does possess an undeniable mellow charisma. With the exception of "Jammin" and "Thank God It's Friday," both of which sound like cheesy outtakes from the soundtrack for the movie Club Paradise, the songs are meditations on African displacement. "Gang Bang Slam" and "Violence" speak on problems while "African Unification" and "Move Over," with its call to "get Rasta youth dem pon the scene," offer solutions. Indisputably, the group's energy is best experienced live; the release of Jericho, with its cultural worldview and sunny harmonies, best serves as a means to tide fans over until the next tour. --Rebecca Levine Amazon.com

JAH LIVE IN 2000!

Another solid release from the best and hardest working reggae band in the world- Skelly and Wiss have been working hard to make quality roots reggae since the days of Marley and Tosh. Strongest tracks on Jericho- Skelly's 'Jericho,' 'On Borrowed Time,' 'African Unification' and Wiss's 'Trouble.' Talented Roots Radics are at their best and deserve lots of credit also. But Israel is best live--go see them and it will change your life October 20, 2000

RASTAMAN MEANS NO HARM

Very good and positive songs as always.The ISRAEL VIBRATION prove it again by release of JERICHO. August 27, 2000

As always with a new twist

The new album Jerico only adds another inch to the range of beautiful and uplifting music this group has created through the years. Regardless of whether it's a trio and duo or whether they have been quiet for years each album has been of great enjoyment and an experience to remember. The new "Album" presents a new turn compared to the previouse ablum "Pay the Piper" where Isreal Vibration had their debut as a duo. This time "Skelly" has done an expecially exellent work and in a way that makes this album truly unique. The only problem I have with "Jerico" is that I cannot wait to see what their next move will be however, I am confident that it will be something worth looking forward. August 17, 2000

Slipping a bit, but still solid

"Jericho", the second album since the solid reggae group Israel Vibration has been reduced to a vocal duo, is certainly a notch below its predecessor, the strong "Pay the Piper," but those familiar with the group know what to expect by now: consistent, unspectacular but occasionally compelling reggae from one of the few groups still allied with the classic "roots" reggae sound. Reggae in general is not about hooks, and Israel Vibration provides even fewer hooks than normal; it is about a rhythm and a vibe. Based on "Pay the Piper", cutting the trio down to Lacelle Bulgin and Cecil Spence was a good move because they were the two best anyway. Bulgin consistently produces the top songs. This time around, his songs are less compelling than normal, although Bulgin's "Trouble" is damn fine. The production on "Jericho", too, is a bit slicker, and the album employs occasional rock-oriented guitar and female backing voices, none of which, as it turns out, is either here or there. It's just that, overall, this is not among the group's best, just another consistent, solid, largely hookless but satisfying release. And, if you're a fan, that's really no surprise. August 10, 2000

Jericho Review

Israel Vibration has the best roots rock reggae sound available today, and Jericho is no exception. I own every recording this band has put out, and am very pleased with this newest addition. Israel Vibration just gets better and better. Jericho is a must have for the avid reggae listener. June 12, 2000

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