Alpheus – Unify

‘Unify’ is the seventh full length album release from London-born Alpheus, his first coming in 1999 and the last in 2020. The three year wait is certainly worth it!!

Kicking off with the title track, ‘Unify’, Alpheus instantly takes you back to traditional Ska roots. A slow paced heavy rhythm that I can picture being played in a dark sweaty basement club somewhere in South London. I only say that as I ended up in one many many years ago and had the night of my life! Pretty sure this track was playing at some point! 😄

Following on is ‘Real Rudy’. Am I allowed to state a favourite track yet? Picking up the pace, this is a full on traditional style ska-fest of awesomeness! A top-notch track that has instantly made it into my ‘favourites’!

‘Mother Love’ and ‘Equality’, a single release last year, bring you a big dose of Reggae and Rocksteady, the latter being available with a slick video, see below. Four tracks in, and not a weak offering yet!

Alpheus’ most recent single release ‘Kitty Kitty’ then kicks in (which we reviewed earlier this month here) – another classic tune that is vying for the ‘favourite on the album’ title.

‘No Time to Waste’ is another superb upbeat offering, closely followed by the equally dance-worthy ‘Friend for Life’ and ‘Stand Our Ground’. Honestly, I’m running out of superlatives to describe these tracks!

‘New Horizon’ slows the pace down a little with some sweet reggae sounds, with the pace continuing with the next track ‘Evil Man’.

‘Party Tonight’ is, as the name suggests a proper party tune. In the vein of more modern chart busters by the likes of Pato Banton (only better!), it’s a real uplifting track!

Finally, ‘Rude Girl’ finishes the line up in superb fashion.

The only disappointment I had when I listened to this album today was that it was over after 12 tracks and just left me wanting more (which I realise is a good thing!)

I’ve only seen Alpheus live once but it was an incredible performance and I’ll certainly be on the lookout this year so I can hear some of these tracks live.

This album definitely sits happily in your collection alongside other great solo artists of the Ska world – Prince Buster, Laurel Aitken & Derrick Morgan – it really would not be out of place!

Oh yeah, it’s available on vinyl 😍 …I know, I know, I’m starting to sound like a stuck record now (see what I did there?!)

• Pauly

Buy the Vinyl Album Here
Digital Album Links Here
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