Artist: African Head Charge Album: Drastic Season

Year: 1983
Duration: 0:0-1

African Head Charge's Drastic Season: A

African Head Charge is a music project that was formed in 1981 by Adrian Sherwood and the percussionist Bonjo Iyabinghi Noah, with the purpose of fusing African rhythms and Jamaican dub beats. The result of their creative minds was the album Drastic Season, released in 1983, which marked a turning point for the band. In this post, we will take a critical look at this album, exploring its genre, the best songs, the most innovative parts, and a review of the album.
Firstly, African Head Charge's Drastic Season follows the path of the dub music genre, which is characterized by the use of reverb and echo effects, along with a strong emphasis on bass and drum sounds. This album, in particular, stands out for its ability to blend African rhythms and Jamaican dub in a unique way. The first track, Hold Some Version, sets the tone for the entire album, with its uptempo beats and lively percussions.
One of the best aspects of Drastic Season is the use of unconventional instruments, such as steel drums, xylophones, and bongos. The track Heading to Glory is a perfect example of this, with its playful melodies and catchy rhythms that blend perfectly together. Another high point is No, Don't Follow Fashion, which showcases the band's ability to incorporate spoken-word into their music, with a strong social commentary on the dangers of following trends.
The most innovative part of Drastic Season is the way it experiments with sound effects and mixes, creating a soundscape that is both ethereal and earthy. For instance, Orderliness, Godliness, Discipline, And Dignity features a cacophony of sounds that mimic the chaotic nature of urban life, while Some Bizarre creates a dream-like atmosphere with its ghostly echoes and chimes.
Despite its undeniable strengths, Drastic Season is not without criticism. The album presents a risk of monotony, with some tracks sounding repetitive and formulaic. Additionally, some of the songs lack the same energy and creativity found in the best moments of the album, which can affect the overall flow of the album.
In conclusion, African Head Charge's Drastic Season is a groundbreaking album that successfully achieved the band's goal of fusing African and Jamaican music. The album is a testament to the creativity and innovation of the project, featuring some of their strongest work to date. Although not without flaws, Drastic Season remains a must-listen for any fan of dub, African, and experimental music.