ALBUM DESCRIPTION

Reggae artists with a Christian slant are nothing new, but Living Stone (a young band out of Riverside, CA with one previous album under their belt) has the distinction of being among the most rootsy of the lot. Lead singer Mario Rocha possesses a vocal style that works its way into you with the same shadowy, take-heed feel as Horace Andy or Yabby You, and the core members of the band (lead guitarist Raymond Rocha, bassist Jorge Morales) likewise have the spark and subtlety it takes to play reggae in classic style. The vibe gets a crucial assist from some attuned guest players and particularly the production skills of Solomon Jabby, who lays on a mystical feel as palpable as any of the great Jamaican producers of the 70s. The militant charge of "Warrior" starts Here In Babylon with horn-fortified authority and from there, things build upon a rock of Biblical authority ("Faithful," "Ancient of Days," "Gideon") and personal observation ("We Belong Together," "Wish I Could") straight from the heart and never heavy-handed. A take on Dennis Brown's "Revolution" affirms the group's conscious stance along with a spate of originals that set Living Stone in stone as serious, genuine reggae contenders. Don't fret about religious affiliations or the lack of them. If roots reggae is what you're after, go after this disc. -Tom Orr


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