"Mankind" by J J Bygrave

After a string of releases in collaboration with guest vocalists ("Here and Now" with Brudez, "Perfect Imperfection" with Princess D Krazy and "Bring Me Closer" with Shanade Morrow), bassist, producer & songwriter Justin Bygrave will on 30^th January share with you "Mankind" on his own Beat Rebel Records label, this time taking lead vocals himself for the first time this century.

Describing it as "..a lot more underground track,  bit political this one.." I really enjoyed "Mankind". It helps that soundwise & lyrically it ticks many of my personal boxes, but I should like to think that I'll not be the only one. He's not anticipating much radio play & I agree that it's not mainstream orientated but I'd like to think that community & alternative stations will give it an airing.

I try hard not to offer direct comparisons in my reviews too often and so by all means level the charge of mild hypocrisy at me for doing so on this occasion. The first thought that went through my head on playing it was "Jah Wobble": not for one factor but several. The dubwise bass sound, the experimental sounds, the attitude, the theme and of course the idea of a renowned instrumentalist blossoming into a singer too. There's a lot of points where the two touch.

That's not say that the song reminds me of a particular one of his: both are committed to original music & not repeating themselves so that's not going to be the case. But they both are reading from the same philosophy I think. If I'm not being clear enough, that's all intended as high praise.

"Mankind" is already one of my favourite singles so far this year: it's subtle, persuasive & you're going to have to seek it out rather than have it spoon fed to you via conventional media, but knowing "Hot Music Live" readers, I think many of you will get what he's saying.