Patterns of War
Label: ROIR
Rated: NONE
WorkNameSort: Patterns of War
You’re right. There’s absolutely no need for contemporary or, especially, future-oriented reggae artists to be making songs with titles like “Dread Inna Babylon” or “Sensimellia,” unless, of course, they’re updating one of the dozens of earlier songs that carried those exact titles. But somehow, Dr. Israel makes the predictability of such lyrics work to his advantage; by posting easily recognizable signposts whether rudimentary reggae lyrics or somewhat ordinary female “soul” vocals it’s easier for listeners to follow the good doctor along on his adventurous voyage. Having abandoned the sludgy abstraction of his early illbient escapades, Dr. Israel has clearly invested much time and forethought into the construction of Patterns of War, as the disc is sonically complex but never overwhelming. The seamless segues between songs imply a consistency that’s largely imaginary; Israel moves from sultry electro-soul to rootsy rhythms, from clickety ragga to oppressive psychedelia, from heavy dub to heavier dub.
This article appears in Nov 16-22, 2005.