The second album by Italian reggae band De Strangers, released by La Tempesta Dub, is a project that explores the many nuances of reggae and dub, as well as deeper emotions and reflections through careful writing and production. The result of the Italian band's intense collaboration with singer Galas and dub master Buriman, "Timeless Bond" is a timeless sonic journey, an album that celebrates the synergy between the three artists and their shared vision of joining forces for music that transcends borders, evokes emotions and speaks to the listener with a message that knows no time or place.
In the words of Elia Pozzi (vocals, drums) and Emiliano Vegro (keyboards), the band's main objective in creating 'Timeless Bond' is clear: "We wanted to create an album that was not just a tribute to reggae culture, but a complete musical experience, capable of immersing the listener in the various declinations of the genre, moving from more classical sounds to more modern and experimental ones. The band played with rhythms and harmonies, offering a rich and complex overview of the different nuances of reggae, while maintaining a unity guaranteed by the presence of Galas. His unmistakable voice and lyrics, which move between reflections on the present, references to the past and a strong critique of power structures, give the project a deeply narrative and unified dimension.
The entire album, which also involved Nicolas Biscione (guitar) and Alessandro Luppi (saxophone) in the arrangement phase, was recorded and mixed at Studio La Sabbia, De Strangers' headquarters in Milan.
Tracks such as 'Sweet Memories' and 'Lift Up Your Head' come across as introspective pieces, coupled with an image of conscience and reflection on the contemporary world, while tracks such as 'What's Wrong', which retains a strong component of social criticism, explore more digital sounds, with synth bass and a stepper reggae rhythm. Another big surprise on 'Timeless Bond' is the collaboration with Jules I, bassist of international reggae band Mellow Mood, who adds his personal touch to the track 'Tea Bubbling'. The track is a stepper with roots sounds, perfectly framed by the lyrics of the two singers. They play with the meeting of their voices on the track, exchanging beats and taking turns in the choruses.
To complete the project, De Strangers decided to bring in Buriman, a well known dubmaster on the international reggae scene, to give the record the final dimension typical of reggae dub culture. His meticulous and precise approach to production transformed the project, creating a perfect balance between the band's original reggae music and his very personal dub interpretation. The five vocal tracks are accompanied by an equal number of dub versions, creating a double sonic experience.
Timeless Bond" is an album that is more than just a musical work, it is a meeting of artistic and personal visions united by the desire to create something lasting and meaningful. A project that not only celebrates reggae and dub culture, but also invites the listener to reflect and immerse themselves in a sonic world full of emotion and experimentation.
Recorded by Elia Pozzi at Studio La Sabbia, Milan (IT)
Mixed by Giovanni Doneda at Studio La Sabbia, Milan (IT)
Mastered by Giovanni Versari at La Maestà Studio, Tredozio FC (IT)
Dubbed by Buriman at Moa Anbessa Studio, Lissone MI (IT)
Cover art by Nanà Dalla Porta
Musicians: Galas Mbengue: vocals Elia Pozzi: drums, percussions, bass, vocals Emiliano Vegro: piano, Hammond, synthesizer, melodica Nicolas Biscione: rhythm & lead guitars Alessandro Luppi: tenor sax Ferruccio Perrone: guitars Didier Yon: trombone Giovanni Doneda: bass
