Congo Natty – Jungle Revolution

The press release for Jungle Revolution states that Congo Natty (aka Rebel MC) ‘sees jungle as a re-boot of roots reggae for a new century’, a bizarre claim for a genre that has been around for two decades - particularly when referring to one of its earliest producers. Indeed, there’s little here that would have sounded out of place in 1993: the LP is mostly a straightforward blend of classic jungle breaks and Rastafarian vibes.

Anachronisms aside, Natty has produced an immediately infectious record, interwoven with vocal contributions from Nanci Correia, Lady Chann, Buggsy, and plenty of others. Slower, dubby pieces like Revolution punctuate things, but it’s on rinsing, sub-bass heavy old-school tracks like Get Ready that Natty’s production talents really shine. Jungle Revolution may not herald a new century, but it’s a concise, infectious mashup of some of the most vital genres that emerged from 90s club music. [Sam Wiseman]