New Day vinyl

Second time around for Black Uhuru's most recent album, New Day, which originally dropped earlier this year to mark the band's 50th birthday (a remarkable achievement in anyone's book). The set naturally has a suitably celebratory feel, with Californian roots-reggae combo Dylans Dharma joining in the fun and Black Uhuru choosing to deliver songs that touch on a wide variety of reggae styles (roots, lovers rock, rocksteady and so on). Interestingly, they chose to record straight to tape, rather than digitally, and that really enhances the warmth of the sound, even when they're utilising synthesizers and other electronic instruments. The lead vocals, from their own Andrew Bees and Dylan Seid of Dylan's Dharma, are naturally soulful and superbly delivered. In other words, it's a fine album.