Mark Mohr and Christafari- Gravity (Lion
of Zion LZD-6527, 2003)'Imisi- Visions of the Father (Lion of Zion LZD-6528, 2003)
Reggae is so often affiliated with Rastafarianism that it can be a bit jarring to hear a different spiritual ideology expressed via the music's familiar choppy rhythms. But there is a Christian reggae scene out there, and you need not be a follower of fire-and-brimstone prophecy or or fast-talking TV evangelists to enjoy it. Contemporary Christian music does not hesitate to to embrace current trends, so it's no surprise that Christian musicians with an ear toward Jamaica are much more likely to adopt dancehall over roots. Both of these releases have more of the latter than the former, and both will appeal to reggae listeners regardless of religious affiliation.
'Imisi ("Image") is a Christian reggae band that includes members from the
Pacific island of Tonga, and their warm, breezy roots sound is reflective of
both their geographical origins and firm but gentle spiritual message. There's a
guest shot by Christafari on the title track of Visions of the Father (the song
also appears on Gravity, in fact) and the album was co-produced by Quino (from
California reggae band Big Mountain) and Mark Mohr. 'Imisi keep their pulsating
tunes clean and uncluttered, with just a tinge of pop sensibility in the vocal
harmonies and instrumental layering. Like Christafari, they don't seem to feel
the need to drench every song in overwrought tent-revival emotion, giving tracks
like "Babylon System" and "Go On (the Conflict)" the power to speak for
themselves and achieve sufficient impact because the subject matter isn't shoved
down anyone's throat. Other high points include the peppy "Into Zion" and "Everything,"
which packs a jumping groove reminiscent of the Jamaican rocksteady era.