Maybe I’m out of touch with the reggae scene these days, but if there is one thing I can note it’s the lack of acts embracing the legacy of the godfathers of the genre. While it seems like every other genre of music – soul, disco, rock and roll – has its retro purists, reggae is a little tougher. Yet, there is one group that stands out both for embracing the sound and activist spirit of groups like Peter Tosh, Steel Pulse and The Wailers, and for bringing a freshness and youthful spirit to that sound.
Raging Fyah was founded in 2006 by a group of musicians who mostly met at the Edna Manley College of Visual & Performing Arts in Kingston, Jamaica. The group’s chemistry, as well as a shared love of the reggae heritage of their country, brought them together. Consisting of Kumar Bent (lead singer), Courtland White (guitarist) Anthony Watson (drummer), Demar Gayle (keyboardist) and Delroy “Pele” Hamilton (bassist), the members of Raging Fyah crafted a sound that felt classic in the best kind of way, yet was also airy and pop-driven. This dynamic brought them to the attention of Jamaica and shortly after the rest of the world caught on to Raging Fyah.
On May 27th the five-piece Kingston collective will release their new album Everlasting worldwide on VP Records’ Dub Rockers. The album was recorded live at Kingston’s legendary Tuff Gong Studios, and today we are excited to present the opening track “Ready For Love” right here on Glide Magazine. “Ready For Love” brings together a sensual R&B melody with a catchy chorus that makes you want to embrace your lover and dance the night away. It is a song that also captures this band’s ability to right songs that are both true to the roots rock reggae spirit as well as universally appealing beyond the reggae community.
Speaking on the song, the band says simply “‘Ready for Love’ is that song when you look at the one you love and ask are ready to take this journey with me and love each other with the love that many search for.”
Listen to Raging Fyah’s “Ready For Love”:
Everlasting will be released May 27th on VP Records’ Dub Rockers.
You can pre-order the album on iTunes now: http://smarturl.it/
For more info and music check out ragingfyah.com.
Cover photo: William Richards
