New releases last two weeks: Roots/Lovers Rock

Review: While not one of Black Uhuru's most celebrated albums, Brutal is nonetheless a significant set - one that received a 'best reggae album' nomination following its release in 1986. In keeping with the period, it updated their soulful roots reggae sound for the 1980s by wider use of electronic instrumentation (synthesisers in particular), a high-profile collaboration with Arthur Baker (the grandiose, club-ready 'Great Train Robbery', which boasts many of Baker's production tricks of the period), a surprising amount of eyes-closed rock style guitar solos, and some proper bottom-end action courtesy of Sly & Robbie. Highlights include the reggae-boogie of 'City Vibes', the weighty and dubbed-out 'Dread In The Mountain', and the ear-catching closing cut.