This sixth album for American 8-piece reggae band John Brown’s Body finds the outfit fully embracing the production values that have become synonymous with Easy Star Records. This may come as a surprise to older fans more used to their usual rough and ready style and generally more reminiscent of British reggae in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. The 12 tracks on offer here show off JBB’s ability to diversify as they turn their hand to associated Caribbean styles. From the dancehall flavours of title track ‘Amplify’ to the poppy dub refreshments on ‘The Gold’, there is undoubtedly plenty here to simultaneously keep fans happy whilst easily generating new followers.
Overall, though, the polished production is somewhat at odds with lead singer Elliot Martin’s lyrics which are generally steeped in more traditional notions of roots. Though it lacks the gutsy vibe that makes the emotion of reggae what it is, Amplify is an enjoyable listen that, quite literally, lives up to its title
