Intinn, Intinn

Posted on 10th Aug 09 by Paul Murphy | 3

“From the riddim come love and light” is how Cian Finn opens Intinn‘s debut album and he just about sums up the entire 15 tracks in those seven little words. To think that a band producing sweet reggae music, bass and beats like this are from Ireland is a shock. Reggae of this quality, in this part of the world, is a rarity. Full to the brim with the consciousness of roots, with

the bounce and dance of dub and drum and bass all complemented by harmonic, rythmic and ghostly harp melodies, this is a band that surpass the quality of most on the Emerald Island, and indeed in reggae music across the world.

It’s like the first time Damian Marley‘s Welcome to Jamrock made your eardrum bounce, Intinn‘s self-titled debut album is not something you’re going to forget willingly. From the drum circle Bingi Intro to the a cappella Rossport, a homage to the Shell-to-Sea campaign in Mayo, The band’s ability to jump from roots to good old party tunes it’s no wonder that they’ve played big festivals accross Europe and shared the stage with legendssuch as Horace Andy and Eek-a-Mouse.

Come Away provides the most roots influenced conscious vibe with lyrics like: “In this time when most people are motivated by greed/buy what their televisions tell them that they need/….carrying heavy loads with hearts empty/….stir clear of bad mentalities/fill your hearts with dreams and not a business man’s schemes”. The song, in it’s slow and soft delivery, grabs hold of you and when it ends the words ring out aloud in your mind and something hidden in your depths arises and takes notice of what really counts.

While the lyrical themes deal with many conscious looks at society like the issue of drug abuse with crack and heroin, political corruption and greed and a view that the only way to find your guide is to look inside. The lyrics take on such a deep and conscious vibe with Rising Over and Light it Up, but they are party tunes and even with such lyrical tones you cannot squash the want to dance. The later tune having received much airplay, has never failed to keep a dancefloor full.

It’s reggae and dub with a slight tinge of a jungalist’s influence. Intinn‘s debut is a precious gem for anyone who’s already grabbed up a copy, if not then here’s the link and you can share in the joy. Bless!

Drop-d Rating 9/10

Tags: Cian Finn, Come Away, Eek-a-Mouse, Horace Andy, INTINN, Rossport, Shell-to-Sea