Black Eyed Peace
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
Spearheaded by the Atlanta producer Matt Mansfield, as Piper Street Sound he brings us another EP of very detailed song craft, where dub, rocksteady and reggae ideas place much emphasis on guitar melodies while taking help from Andy Bassford (guitar), Brian Daggett (drums), Will Scruggs (tenor sax) and Jonathan Lloyd (trombone), to name a few.
The EP opens with the title track, where playful drumming, bright brass and charming keys are met with soothing guitar lines as reggae and ska nods enter the spirited climate, and “A Shadow In August” follows with a laid back groove amid a dreamy delivery of cautious, thoughtful instrumentation.
The back half of the listen includes “Stonesteady” and “Icemilk”, where the former benefits from lively drumming and well timed trombone, while the latter showcases sublime guitar lines alongside strategic trumpet and a very inviting atmosphere of cozy, agile melodies.
Mansfield plays several instruments here, and along with his exceptional help they make use of every second across 4 tracks that illustrate Mansfield and Bassford’s technical collaboration that’s not short on solos and will satiate any reggae fans interest in rhythm and easy going tempos.
Travels well with: Reggae Angels- Remember Our Creator; Honey Made- Brand New