A TRIBAL TREAT

Karibow's new release is interesting. They have given us a re-recording of two earlier albums, 'Tribe' and 'Tribal Avenue'. I have not heard these original albums and so I cannot give a comparison in that regard. So I will review these with fresh ears.

Tribe: 1. "Told" Tribe opens with 'Told'. An up tempo opener measured with some different synth styles and tight drums. Guitars come in with the hook line chorus bringing high energy. A true and solid rock beginning.

2. "Rain Kid" 'Rain Kid' starts with a nice soft entry soon followed by the same vitality as 'Told'. A longer song with a slower chorus. A wonderful solo begins with a staccato rhythm leading into a smooth electric guitar piece. after a soft singing section a rich distorted guitar solo brings passion. A fitting end.

3. "Time to Wonder" A slower melodic song. It is with deeper feeling and a more lavish melody in the background. A guitar solo that to me could have featured in any song on Rush's 'Grace Under Pressure' album. It finishes with a high paced flourish.

4. "Out of my Head" A moderate tempo rock song with a catchy hook and chorus. Another worthy guitar solo perfectly matches the song leading to the final chorus line.

5. "Hey You (Ashes to Ashes)" I find this song a highlight. Oliver's singing really delivers for the chorus that absorbs and sticks in your head. The guitar solo is soft and meaningful which brings a full rounded sense of sound before the song ends.

6. "Life is More" A rousing ballad starting with soft guitar and then suddenly building into an anthemic, strong and emotional climax.

7. "The Line Between" A quick and strong synth-guitar combination entrance with a positive singing style that again gives us a chorus to sing along to. An imaginative guitar solo with a slight West Indian beat.

8. "Blessed" A softer song played with sensitivity. A song that is comfortable to the ear and a memorable alto sax solo shines.

9. "Shadow Dancing" An ominous sounding start followed by Oliver's voice singing in a state of mystery. A creative use of alto sax on this song which finishes with a strong synth solo.

10. "Water" The longest song on this disc. It has a high rhythmic keyboard succeeded by rhythm guitars leading into the anthem. Nice guitar moments are interspersed before we hear the next verse. A single note piano part comes in half way through, then a soft guitar leading into a full band invigorated climax.

Tribal Avenue 1. "Fly High" A good guitar and synth beginning with this song. An excellent build to the chorus giving us the cleat hint to the title of this song. The feeling of being on top of life. A quick and satisfying guitar solo before the final singing section ensues.

2. "Green Tea" Beautiful guitar solo starts this song which has a pleasant flow. In between verses are pieces of guitar filling in the song perfectly.

I prefer beer myself but I'll take Green Tea as a song any day.

3. "Saint" A good rock beat sets off this piece. This ushers into the song title with differing styles of soloing. It has a majesty with a good strong feeling.

4. "Little Rebel" An easy going inception soon gives over to an energetic song with a quick pulse that you can jump up and down to. A true uplifting vibe.

5. "Make It Up" An industrial launch begins this song. A fast bass tone comes in before the first highlight of the song. This is soon surpassed by a stunning section of jazz piano that is played so tight, water could not pass through. An intense entry of this album.

6. "Tribe" A soft symphonic sound enters soon with a tribal beat. Then a powerful full blown wall of sound breaks through with a tribal background singing. Soft pipe sounds enter before Oliver sings the chorus for a second time. There's a real tribe facet here in terms of music and story.

7. "Come Into This World" A mid tempo song with yet another anthemic hook that gets trapped in your mind. Oliver really has a knack in this regard which is probably why he has become the successful songwriter he has become. The music is always a constant even when it is the background to his singing.

8. "Follow" To me this song starts with stars in the sky. Which then becomes a strong heavy beat thumping into the main body of the song with nicely placed intimate moments. We are taken on a roller coaster of music. Nice long guitar notes with energetic synth. A very expressive guitar solo enhances this song in a wonderful way. Ending in a highly exciting rhythmic climax. This is another highlight song for me.

9. "Point of View" Another mysterious vibe begins this song. A heavy beat controls this song that again magnetizes you with the catchy and hook laden chorus.

10. "Stories of the Dead" A wonderful strong entry to finish this album with. A song that breathes, gives moments of emotive guitar parts in between verses. A glorious positive end played by a talented, tight and expressive band.

Both these albums have in my opinion a definitive 80's rock feel. That suits me fine as the 80's were my introduction to music as a teenager.

Oliver Rusing writes and sings about the struggles of life, the pain of life, the hurdles we have to jump over to move forward. More importantly he tells us to overcome these problems, how to win and how to face difficulties. The music enhances this message with its positive outlook and vibrancy. This double tribal treat is a superb addition to your Karibow collection, to any collection.

I'll finish this review by quoting a song in this collection. "Life is More".