REVIEW OF THE NEW ALBUM FROM – CAPTAIN ACCIDENT – “BAD PRESS”

 

 

 

“BAD PRESS ” RELEASED ON 20TH  AUGUST 2021 ON CLUMSY PRODUCTIONS

PRE ORDER HERE

 

The fourth long playing (self release on Clumsy Productions) offering from UK, Cardiff based, Captain Accident delivers an extraordinarily honest , personal, heartfelt, absorbing and hugely likeable slab of sound on “Bad Press”. Running in at 40 odd mins and comprising 10 tracks “Bad Press” is almost unbelievably entirely written, played and produced by the enigmatic and massively talented Captain in his own “Quarters” studio. Musically “Bad Press” transports us effortlessly way back in time nearly half a century to the high water mark of old school roots reggae, dub and ska evoking the prophetic and soulful sounds of the likes of Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Burning Spear, Jimmy Cliff et al while lyrically we stay firmly in the now. Whereas in the past songs sung of freedoms sought and redemption on “Bad press” Captain Accident speaks in no less passionate terms about greed, division, planetary meltdowns and the weariness of the reluctant witness to the calamitous times we all find ourselves navigating.

 

 

The juxtaposition of past and present is profound, in a sense, and illustrates just how timeless the appeal of roots reggae music really is. And yes it works. It works really well and that in no small part is a reflection of how much of himself Captain Accident has invested into “Bad Press”. As a clarion call from the wilderness Captain Accident beautifully captures a mindset and anxiety that most of us must harbour and few would honestly disagree with but somehow presents these heavy weight issues in a light and breezy, cool and easy, disarming style like the sugar coating on a bitter pill. Like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Either way the point is made, the Captain is vindicated, and the job is done.

Brilliantly played and super easy on the ear throughout the hard edged messaging on “Bad Press” creeps stealthily into the listeners consciousness without needing to resort to assault and battery and that managing of opposing forces only adds to the appeal of this record as what on the surface appears to be superficially a collection of upbeat, accessible and eminently danceable reggae compositions, in fact, harbours a far deeply political meaning. Bob would’ve approved, I think.

 

 

You could be forgiven (especially looking at the cover art) that Captain Accident’s “Bad Press” doesn’t take itself so seriously but nothing could be further from the truth. This is a serious set of recordings. The musicianship and production is seriously good and the song writing on “Bad Press” is a gift to be gratefully received no matter what your bag is. For maximum effect just add sunshine and Red Stripe. Catch him live where you can in 2021 with his touring band “The Disasters”.

 

8/10

REVIEW BY VON GOLOKA

 

 

BAD PRESS TRACK LISTING 

· Not the End of The World

· Best Shoes

· Playing Field

· Wings

· Miami Incoming

· Run Rabbits Run

· Ride My Own Path

· Puttin’ Up A Fight

· Darn N Stormy

· Wake Me Up

 

 

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