Mungo s Hi Fi are at the controls delivering their latest productions featuring megatons of talent from a dream lineup of MCs. Mungo's Hi Fi champion the evolution of reggae, dub and dancehall music and are reinvigorating soundsystem culture. They have developed formidable live shows, touring every corner of the globe, but always sounding best when giving their own speakers a workout. They have collaborated with foundation veterans including Ranking Joe, Earl 16 and Sister Nancy as well as frequent shows with Kenny Knots, Solo Banton, Mr Williamz, YT and Scotland's own lyrical legend Soom T. Their live work feeds directly into the studio productions. Mungo's crucial releases, mainly on their own Scotch Bonnet label, have topped the reggae bestsellers on numerous occasions. 'Soundsystem Champions', their previous album released in 2008, has turned many on to their sounds and there has long been a clamour for a follow up. Forward Ever is a distilled concoction of soundsystem smashers that are taking the world by storm and engaging widespread new interest in bass culture with contemporary music that hasn t lost its roots. Forward Ever has originated and evolved in the Jamaican soundsystem tradition, capturing spontaneous moments from live sessions and taking them fresh into the studio. Each track has been picked for the positive reaction it has received when played out and the album has been compiled how Mungo s Hi Fi would play it in the dance. The album kicks off with the late great Sugar Minott s dubplate intro in a Scrubadub Style on Mungo s Greetings riddim, recorded in Scotland shortly before the legend s passing. Then comes an ode to diversity in the shape of Everyman Different with Rasta Pacey covering Errol Dunkley s hit, treating it to a massive rolling bassline. The tempo speeds up when Charlie P takes the mic and rips it up with his infectious Skidip on a pumping version of Billy Jean. Then it s lyrics time as Mr Williamz fires out Computer Age , talking about the advance of technology. You are guaranteed to have at least your head nodding by this point, and then it goes next level with Kenny Knots stonking Gimme Gimme on Mungo s Bogle riddim, bringing up the vibes with appeals for more love. This drops into a digital groove as Pupa Jim s poignant Boat People reminds us of the contemporary realities of inequality and injustice. Anger at comfortable complacency grows when YT is moved to Scream about the situation over Mungo s Bad From riddim, and the Babylon-beating steps up as Omar Perry confirms that Dem No Like It . Soom T brings things back to a personal level with her tale of a Bad Bad Boy over an updated ska riddim before we settle in to a New York Boogie with Ranking Levy s laidback foundation DJ style. Zeb And Scotty bring more oldschool dancehall vibes as they invite us to Warm Up and the digital reggae sounds continue with Biga Ranx and his evocation of soundsystem culture Session Pon Top . Then Soom T is back with machine gun lyrics challenging MCs to test the Soundboy Police which drops big time as Mr Williamz returns to present Musically Mad over the fattest bassline yet. The session is rounded off with a ganja anthem in the shape of High Grade featuring Gentleman s Dub Club building to a two tone mosh pit crescendo. Double LP version mastered at D&M Berlin is pressed on heavyweight 180g vinyl and comes in a stylish gatefold sleeve.
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