Album: Dan Bowskill, More Than Music (Inner Circle Universal)

“Reggae is my brain food,” claims young north Londoner Dan Bowskill, a claim borne out by his mature, thoughtful attitude.

Formerly frontman of reggae band The Hiites, Bowskill brings to his roots-reggae songs a cool-ruler warmth reminiscent of Gregory Isaacs, as he surveys the social landscape around him and finds reasons for both gloom and optimism.

The result is somewhat akin to Black Uhuru or Burning Spear on tracks such as “Brain Food” and “Clear Water”. Bowskill views the spread of Babylon with trepidation in the single “Holy Land”, though his colleague Black Rein leavens the mood with an angry but level-headed rap advising, “stay conscious, and don't bother with no nonsense”.

Smoothly produced, with mellow horns rolling over the gentle skank grooves, this is a confident and creditable debut.

"Holy Land" from More Than Music features in this month's Independent Audio Player. CLICK HERE to listen.

To order any CD previewed here, call the Independent Music Service on 01634 832 789.