Hostile Environment

Album review

Creation Rebel began in the late '70s, consisting of members of the legendary Prince Far I's backing band, the Arabs. Dennis Bovell engineered the group's first album, Dub from Creation, which was the very first production by Adrian Sherwood, and the debut release on his Hitrun label, the precursor to On-U Sound. The group's lineup shifted frequently, and they backed Prince Far I and other artists on-stage and in studio, playing gigs with the Clash, the Slits, and Don Cherry. Their most groundbreaking release, 1980's Starship Africa, is as futuristic as dub gets, and it remains a serious contender for best dub album of all time. The group attempted a more commercial sound afterwards, and after Prince Far I was murdered in his Jamaican home in 1983, Creation Rebel disbanded. Several decades later, Adrian Sherwood invited three of the group's members (guitarist Crucial Tony, drummer and vocalist Eskimo Fox, percussionist and vocalist Ranking Magoo) to join him for live dates, and they gradually worked on music together during the COVID-19 lockdown. The result, Hostile Environment, is the first Creation Rebel album in over 40 years.
The album's title is a reference to one of the harshest immigration policies in U.K. history, introduced by former Prime Minister Theresa May, and it serves as a reminder of the oppression that refugees have consistently faced for ages. With all that in mind, the music is uplifting, acknowledging the daily struggle and pressure but still expressing joy and gratitude. The arrangements are tight, melodic, and groove-heavy, but Sherwood and company still go off the rails with crazy effects when inspiration strikes. The album is a well-rounded mixture of conscious lyrics, pop melodies, and far-out dub heaviness. Prince Far I remains the group's guiding spirit, and his ghostly baritone makes appearances on two tracks, including "This Thinking Feeling" with Daddy Freddy. "Stonebridge Warrior" is a gorgeous melodica showcase, and "That's More Like It" is a slow, mesmerizing wash-out in the vein of Starship Africa and other heavy dub excursions. "Whatever It Takes," a song about strength and perseverance with Adrian's daughter Denise Sherwood on harmony vocals, is the album's most traditional reggae-pop tune, and "The Peoples' Sound (Tribute to Daddy Vego)" is a more rousing celebration, paying respect to the late promoter and sound system legend. Rounding out the album are more sweet, spacy dub tracks like "Salutation Gardens" and "Off the Spectrum." Hostile Environment is a triumphant comeback effort, and it continues On-U Sound's run of late-career highlights from veterans like African Head Charge and Horace Andy.

© Paul Simpson /TiVo