ALBUM DESCRIPTION

The Katalys Crew is back and they have returned with a vengeance! Just listen to the blazing horns on the polished title track "4 a Reason" and you will agree that it was well worth the wait. Paired down significantly from the original nine players, this brilliant four piece proves that less is more--much, much more! With a far more rootsy set than their previous offerings, this uplifting album is sure to create its own niche in the ever-growing gospel reggae market.

Blessed with some heavenly roots tracks like "4 A Reason", "The Heartbeat" and "Action," any roots aficionado is sure to be satisfied. Just listen to the boisterous brass section on the steppers influenced "Trod The Earth" or the lovers rock sounds of "Wonderful World" (featuring Richie Stephens) and you'll agree these guys are truly originators. Other standout songs include the Alpha Blonde influenced "More Than a Conqueror," and "Father" (Feat. Change's Andrew Lawrence) over one of Sly and Robbie's Taxi Gang Riddims.

Like many Jamaican recordings these days, this album refuses to stay on a sonic plateau. But whether they take it down low with ballads such as "Persuaded", "Can't Stop Now", or give you the Niyabinghi vibes of "Chanting", the Urban flare of "Love" or even the disco feel of "I'm Free", Katalys refuses to compromise their message and Biblically inspired lyrics. The group also sings about a plethora of subjects from marriage ("Woman of Virtue") to Family ("Sending My Love Mama"), and Christianity ("Call Him") to harmony ("Unity").

Overall, I find that this album is far more consistent in songwriting, sonic quality and production than their freshmen offering. And while there are plenty of singjay vocals by the original Radic, there are no digital dancehall beats on this album--it's mostly roots. I must admit that with so many polished roots songs, I do miss the alto offerings of the group's former crooner Jai, who departed last year with solo aspirations. However, Radic has improved in his vocals tremendously over the last year and is confident enough to take the helm with tremendous results. With the help of background vocals by the other members of the Crew (Collin, Courick and Paul), and a strong cast of guest vocalists such as Luciano, Richie Stephens and Sherwin Gardner, the crew has pulled it off brilliantly!

Refusing to follow the crowd, Katalys has set out to "Go where there is no path and leave a trail," says Katalys founder Paul Barclay (Bass/vocals/production). They have accomplished their mission on this ambitious album. Packed with 17 tracks of righteous roots music, "4 a Reason" is a wonderful vision of what it would be like in Jamaica if the reggae industry decided to shift from lifeless digital dancehall beats to real music performed by real musicians who are singing 4 A REASON. Pick up your copy today and catch a glimpse of the wonderful world of gospel reggae according to the Katalys Crew! You won't be disappointed.

Review by Mark Mohr