Great to be back into the swing of release reviews now, with ‘Sound of the Uprising’, the debut album from Luton ska/reggae punks easydread!

A decade in the making, following two EPs (I found Fyah, released in 2017, through Spotify back in the day and it’s long been in rotation ever since!), this record delves into the political and social experiences of songwriter Steve Alger.

‘Sound of the Uprising’ intertwines personal and observatory prose with crunching riffs and rhythms, as well as soulful horns – all stuff I can confirm from seeing the group live.

Ok, I think that’ll do for an introduction – let’s get into it!

1. The Dance Floor is Lava

The whole album kicks off with a V for Vendetta sample, before heavy, purposeful guitar is joined by brass, all of which invite the listener to a skank-filled shindig.

Speeding up following that impactful intro, fun is had with the notion that one will either be asked to leave, or die, if they fail to keep themselves above volcanic liquid. Higher vocal notes in the brief bridge bring a feeling akin to the start of some kind of disaster-themed musical.

This one’s a dance number through and through, with a goal to get peeps to pick their feet up, for indeed “the dance floor is lava”.

2. Bun Down Babylon

Calling for unity against divisive sociopolitical factors is the second track ‘Bun Down Babylon’ – a very chantable (yes, chantable is a word, contrary to the red line that appears to me in the back end 🙄) phrase, as initiated throughout.

This one surpassed five minutes in length which is commonplace in classic reggae records, but nevertheless, it flies by. Horns usher in a message to take down oppressive corruption, and “open your minds to a new paradigm”.

Continuing the hefty rhythms and riffs, sounds from the brass section get more complex in the sped-up, extensive bridge.

3. Let Love In

‘Let Love In’ urges people to stop living “with their head in the clouds” and find it within themselves to “feel the passion ignite”.

The track continues to condemn segregation and discrimination, while asking people who may be giving up hope to keep faith that everything will be alright.

Bass licks set the tone at the start of this one, before the usual elements kicked in. Meanwhile, other members of the band joined in on backing vocals, providing multi-levelled harmonies.

4. Hook, Line and Sinker

‘Hook, Line and Sinker’ is one of the two singles from the release, and sees the group take the tempo down slightly, and begin by lyrically unleashing their inner Beach Boys.

From here, the style ends up being fitting for a ska and reggae dance party in a pub or social club, that would typically also feature classics from the ’50’s and ’60’s.

Lyrics go out to a particular, deeply romantic interest, for whom the protagonist “won’t put up a fight, as you reel me in”. Yeah, much more lovey-dovey, this one, and I’m here for it!

5. Light It Up

Concluding the first half of ‘Sound of the Uprising’ is the ‘A Message To You Rudy’-inspired ‘Light It Up’. The song incorporates the trombone notes from that classic, and vows to do reggae music proud.

A clear mission is proposed to continue advocating for unity with all on the ground, ahead of increasingly fashionable and prejudiced hatred. There is also an urge to “don’t stop doing what you love”.

(It is implied that the thing being lit up is the ol’ “green”, which is a kind of code word for cannabis. This is astounding. What next, politics in punk rock? Honestly…)

6. Gonna Get More

Oooh, this one starts off with some surf rock-inspired guitar, before getting back into classic ska rhythms.

‘Gonna Get More’ explores a wish to get more cannabis romantic companionship, following an exchange of numbers. Alas, the protagonist’s love interest “said I’d have to wait”.

Despite a few knock backs, there is a determination to win back that love.

7. Sound of the Uprising

The other single on the album is the title track, and immediately ponders why “Mr Corporate Man” gives people just trying to live their lives “such a hard, hard time”.

Beginning with more hard-hitting horns and drums, keys underpin verses of despair. Intertwined with these though is a chorus vowing to rise up against corrupt injustices, for unity will, with hope, bring the downfall of a broken system.

The bridge in this mid-tempo track declares it is time to “fight for our rights”, and is followed by a nice guitar solo.

8. All Over the Nation

Eighth track ‘All Over the Nation’ keeps the tempo slowed down for a bit initially, while maintaining strong harmonies, but speeds up into a crescendo later on.

Dankly distorted guitar sets the tone for a procession of outreach advocating for national unity. There is a continuation of a common theme of fire as a metaphor for this ongoing mission.

The chorus suggests we “burn it up” and “smoke it up”, with backing vocals complementing well as usual.

9. The Calling

Staggered rhythms and horns kick off the penultimate song ‘The Calling’, with the tempo picking up again. Said calling goes out again to activists of system change, to come together and “find a better way”.

The keyboard plays a more prominent role in driving this message home, particularly in the breakdown serving as the bridge, fighting alongside the horn section.

I find the skank-inducing tempo changes involved in the bridge of this and other tracks on ‘Sound of the Uprising’ to be a key aspect of why I enjoy ska and reggae stuff like this.

10. War On For Your Mind

The closing track ‘War On For Your Mind’ is a bassier one, and addresses the individual, mental conflicts that can come with a questionable concept of democracy being practiced.

This one satirically takes aim at ignorant conspiracy theorists, with the notion that they brush their teeth “with my Prozac, that will help me comply”. Conversely, the song advocates for turning off the TV and thinking more for yourself.

While the majority of tracks on ‘Sound of the Uprising’ focus on the upsides of unity, this conclusion contributes a feeling of justified frustration towards those who thoughtlessly buy into motives designed to divide.

Closing Remarks

Overall, Easydread’s debut album indeed lays bare years of musical toil, and it pays dividends here.

Solid and soulful, there is lots to like for those looking to keep up with the reggae punk scene today, including the depth of brass and keys, and evergreen topics of Babylon bashing and romance.

Many thanks to Ralph for reaching out and allowing me early access to this (even if I ended up releasing this late anyway), and congrats to the band on a great release.

Of course, thank you, dear reader (bleh, bit corny.), for, well, reading too. Up the Posh, and up the Punx 🤘