The Kingston Lions
Bulletproof, 2025
9/10
This debut from Jamaica’s The Kingston Lions reinvents classics from the Jamaican songbook, where the supergroup welcomes a couple of guest vocal spots, too.
“Rudy, A Message To You” starts the listen with Mikey "Mao" Chung’s warm guitar alongside the harmonic voices for the timeless tune, and “Young Gifted And Black” follows with upbeat keys and no lack of rhythm surrounding the smooth delivery.
Deeper into the record, Nick Hexum (311) lends his pipes to the hazy “Armagideon Time”, while “Johnny Too Bad” benefits from Boris Gardiner’s frisky bass lines amid the soulful backing vocals.
Moving along, “War Ina Babylon” welcomes Dave Wakeling’s (The Beat, General Public) singing to the calming and laid back grooves, and “Girl, I’ve Got A Date” exits with Mikey "Boo" Richards’ skilled drums mixed in with the sing-alongs and romantic mood.
An excellent first album, if you enjoy reggae, dub, ska and roots sounds any shape or form, you’re going to love The Kingston Lions.
Travels well with: Bob Marley- Uprising; The Slackers- Kill You