MDV - ROOTS ALL SORTS

MDV have long established themselves as a dynamic force on the live music scene. Their uncompromisingly simple line-up of bass, guitar and drums, never fails to surprise audiences due to the overall soundscape they create and the many different variations within the music.

"Roots All Sorts" is the unique album from M.D.V. (Many Different Variations), formally known as One Style M.D.V. This reggae band has been together for over 20 years as friends and has been through several transformations.

They began in their local community, playing community events, pubs and clubs of the London boroughs of Hackney and Islington. This led to larger events across London, such as The Notting Hill Carnival and Anti-Racism, Anti-Apartheid festivals. The band pride themselves on their live appearances and their unique, experimental sound. They have shared the stage with many mighty forces of reggae music, such as Burning Spear, Misty In Roots, Gregory Isaacs and The Mad Professor.

Due to their alternative sound, M.D.V have also lined up alongside the likes of Asian Dub Foundation, Super Furry Animals and The Levellers. The late, great Joe Strummer was a big fan and requested the band as his support act. From the on-set you know you’re in for something special from this release. The album opens with "Change Their Ways", a deep down and heavy roots fueled track, in a modern dub-style, supported by a set of highly complementary lyrics. The album continues with "Beautiful Day" a more up-tempo, dancehall style cut. The use of dub effects is evident on this track as with many others, giving the tune a gritty, almost dark edge, yet lyrically this particular track is uplifting and inspiring, an exciting combination. "Dangerous Times" follows, returning to the deep down roots reggae vibe and the soulful voices of the vocal trio Korus, who make an impressive contribution to this release. The album continues in this vein with experimental, fresh and original tracks, each one reinforcing the overall quality. Most cuts are down-tempo, rootsy and all are extremely well produced. It’s difficult to pigeon hole this band or place them in a single category, yes the album is reggae, but listen closely and you'll feel the soul, blues, jazz and hip-hop influences that are subtlety blended into each cut.

 Track Listing

1. Change Their Ways
2. Beautiful Day
3. Dangerous Times (Pt. 1)
4. Screwface
5. The Heat Is On
6. Riff
7. Keep It Real
8. Dangerous Times (Pt. 2)
9. Wake Up
10. Death Bells' Toll
11. Saturday Sunday
12. Nagasaki Dub
13. Down Ism Capital