Steel Pulse – Kibudu-Mansatta-Abuku

This 7" really need a Repress but for the moment we can find it here "Various - The Midlands Roots Explosion Volume One"

Ronnie McQueen‘s dexterity opens Steel Pulse‘s illustrious career. From the outskirts of Birmingham UK with Jamaican pathos and patois an impressive verse follows the bass:

“Flesh o’ my skin, blood o’ my blood, Jah is with you”

Assurance of ancestry (“read up your history“) follows with Wailers‘ vocalizings to a tee, Hinds (also riddim guitars) backing Basil Gabbidon (also lead guitars). This, a band of British sons of immigrants inspired by the resounding Catch a Fire. More than a passing of the flame from Marley, Tosh and Wailer to the young working class heroes.

“Identy changes, you took the slave driver’s name”

Gabbidon vocals hesitate across the history lesson, lacking the quiet rage of a Burning Spear but losing no steampower of conviction. Eventually, they would reach for Africa.

“Redemption, protection, and freedom”

Selwyn ‘Bumbo’ Brown adds intriguing synths, Steve ‘Grisly’ Nesbitt presses riddim.

One year after their formation at Handsworth Wood Boys School, they released the cryptic “Kibudu-Mansatta-Abuku” at the small Dip label.

The first word, “The Worm” in Swahili. The following, Jamaican slang for “Myself sat in“. The latter, “It’s a Shame” in Yoruba. The crossroads of their worlds looked empowering.

a beautiful song with a beautiful instrumental. i am selling my hoge..

the intro could use some work, but overall a solid first release. even without David Hinds' classic voice, Steel Pulse sounded good.