The Vault Reviews: "Exodus Chapter 13 Verse 2" by First Born

First beginnings. Debut albums can be very strange things, in general, and this is particularly true in Reggae music where even some of the genre's biggest of names can come from some of the humblest and obscurest of beginnings, musically. Of course this can make tracking things down very difficult, even now, but often doing so for some of your favourites is well worth the journey back and, even more often, where you think you're headed isn't really where you're going. When you take a broad look back at the debuts of some of the biggest stars of today, you'll find so many interesting points and releases and one in particular which always catches my attention is definitely that of Tarrus Riley. In his case it was almost as if he had two debut albums. There was the one from 2006, "Parables", which really began his rise to superstardom and contained tunes such as 'She's Royal', which are now regarded as classics, but really it was nearly a decade ago now, in 2004, when his actual first album, "Challenges", reached. Riley would ultimately go on to link with VP Records which would save the album from obscurity by re-releasing it a few years as they have in the past with people such as Richie Spice, but it's always fascinating to think what may have become of that album had they not. Similar starts are in the careers of names such as Jah Mason, whose debut "Keep Your Joy", has largely vanished; Pressure Busspipe with one of the best debut albums I've ever heard, "The Pressure Is On"; Natural Black with "World War" and really countless others. Natural Black is a very good connection to make here as someone who did not take the route which would lead to starts long forgotten and, instead, have taken roads DIRECTLY coming from them, however, is another very respected act from out of Guyana, First Born. While they never reached the level of prominence that Natural Black has/did, they definitely began as one of the biggest names representing Reggae music in their country and, closer to their early stages, the five member group definitely generated a great deal of interest to their music. The most fascinating detail is in their music because the version of the group which exists today, fourteen years since their very first project arrived and more than fifteen years into their career, is still building on the work from 1999 with the same group of people who first brought them to notoriety.  

First Born

I've been listening to a whole heap of First Born's music lately which sent me back in the mindset of writing for them and I was damn happy to see a few new tunes from the group as well. These days First Born is two members shy of the quintet they used to be and they definitely had not been extremely active at all in recent years, but it appears that 2013 is a new beginning for them and hopefully some time in the future we can continue to see them rebuild. And should that happen (and it should), it will likely be largely under the watchful eyes of Vizion Sounds Records and the one Walter Fraser, who has been along their side for virtually the entire lifespan of First Born. They have released four (and a half) albums for the group my (surely incorrect) count, including pieces such as "Confident", "Wake Up Call" and "Irits", probably their most well known release to date. It's very unusual to have an act so closely associated with one producer for such a long and distinct period of time, which stretches all the way back to the near nascent stages of both. 

Such was the case way back in 1999 when Vizion Sounds Records formally introduced the world to what would become one of Guyana's most powerful contributions to Reggae music ever, First Born, by releasing the group's debut album, "Exodus Chapter 13; Verse 2". The album was recorded, predominately, to my knowledge, in Jamaica and it features the musical imprints of people like Robbie Shakespeare, Andrew 'Bassie' Campbell, Flabba Holt, Dusty Miller, Nambo Robinson and even the great Dean Fraser. Also, as I alluded to (by referring to it as "and a half"), I believe the album was subsequently picked up and re-released by the once mighty JetStar Records in a newer version back in 2003. As for their style, First Born was always an act which did really positive and upful cultural/social music and they really had a very unique musical presentation. First of all, I believe they originated as a strictly vocal group. They were all singers, which is unusual and even more so for them to sing Roots Reggae. To my opinion such a situation helped a great deal with their ability to generate very compelling and exciting music. They didn't need much help in the way of riddim (even though they were generally treated very well on that end, even away from Vizion Sounds) to create things such as melody and force (more on that in a second). Furthermore, they demonstrated this very infectious 'rough around the edges' type of sound. Though clearly skilled and well capable of carrying out their obvious musical intentions, what First Born had was this very raw and unrefined type of talent which seemed more inborn, organic and then developed as opposed to having been learned at the foundational level. I think that gives their music even more originality and I caught myself thinking of who I might compare their full sound to… and I really couldn't come up with anyone who would provide such a strong point. They're one of a kind which makes it even more imperative that they continue to put out strong material for the present and future. As for their past, it was extremely solid, adorned with fine albums such as this. Let's take a closer look.  

Though I've never broken this album down to the small details, as I am now, for one large and glaring reason, track #11, it has remained on my players, at least in one way, from the first time I ever heard it. However, even before we begin, I will tell you that this album, still, ranks as one of the group's finest efforts to date. First Born's debut album , "Exodus 13; Chapter 2" (which will now be referred to as "Exodus") does begin with a signature moment and big, big tune, 'Repatriation'. The track was an early hit for the group and you would think it was the case as it just happens to link them with the legendary Dennis Brown. The ideology behind the piece is as clear as its name, but what was very nice with this one, apart from that, were the vibes of the song. The composition comes through with this lush Afrikan chant and though you might not think that adding yet another singer to the mix might help the sound, the 'sixth' member of First Born falls right in line like star that he was on this fantastic opener (and it also pays homage to another pillar of the music in Bob Marley). Next we have another album highlight in the form of the downright joyous praising piece, 'Kadamawe'. These two songs, at the head of the album, are really linked together so nicely as they both have a similarly upful sound and, together, it almost seems like one giant song as opposed to two separate pieces. Then we have 'I Give Thanks For Life', which kind of tones things down just a bit, but is well on the level of it is predecessors' quality. 

"I give thanks for life

For wonderful increasing life

I give thanks for life

For wonderful increasing life

I give thanks for life

For wonderful increasing life

I give thanks for the overstanding that life is continuous

That life is vitalizing 

That life has no cessation

King Selassie I awaits forever, I have no fear

The prophecy will be fulfilled:

That Rasta will reign -

Forever!" 

As I like to point out, this is another piece on which the presentation of the tune matches what is said. This isn't a song about a supreme confidence. There is work still to be done, so you get a small variation on the sounds in the tune which make for a very memorable moment. And I will also mention here, the medley-esque 'Freedom', which is not to be missed. Speaking of variations - this song definitely conjures up a few different memories and First Born, brilliantly, brings them together on this one track (with this hypnotic drum backing) which is easily one of the best on this (or any of their) album. 

As I said, "Exodus" does contain an absolute giant of a song -- one of the best that I've ever heard -- on the eleventh song on the album, the MAMMOTH [!] 'Prince of Peace'. TEARS! Many a dark and self-destructive moments this song has helped me through and if I'm the only one for whom it did, so be it. The song is one feverishly celebrating His Imperial Majesty and, yes, I've heard hundreds of similarly constructed ones in the past, but also as I said, the melodies on this one in particular stand out so high in your mind that the song makes you cry, it makes you smile and takes you through a wide variety of emotions. It remains the finest piece of work that First Born has ever done in my opinion and if they never did another song at all, they'd still have a heavy place from me because this song was so beautiful. Not at all surprising is the fact that I've also paid a very large amount attention to the songs around 'Prince of Peace' through the years as well. Before it is another of the top rankers on "Exodus", 'Selassie I Lives' ["They say Selassie I is dead. They must be sick inna dem head"]. This tune has more of a chanting delivery to it and it is ROUGH. It links a raw verse with high-definition surroundings and backing singers on one SWEET praising piece. Meanwhile, on the other end is 'Don't Find Me Wrong' which finds another and seemingly very young member of First Born taking the lead. This one took awhile to grow on me and if you hear it, you'll know why (it literally sounds like a child singing), but if you tune into what is being said, the song kind of changes from this piece that is ostensibly interesting for a surface motive, to one which contains a great amount of substance as well. 

Most thankfully, however, "Exodus" wasn't only an album with a strong start and a big for one huge song to lay in, it was rather solid throughout and still carries song which are well worth hearing fourteen years on. Of a particular interest is a selection by the name of 'How Are We Gonna Survive', which actually comes through on the album over two different tracks. It is very interesting because the second version is one which is more dynamic, musically (the riddim on that song is just a diamond of instrumentation), while the vocal display on the original is very likely the best that this album has to offer altogether. They are social commentaries from a spiritual source which add so much fuel to an already blazing project. Another source of fire comes from an earlier stretch of four songs which is book-ended by two of the biggest songs on the album. The first of them, 'Put A Shield Around I' is definitely one of those biggest moments.

"Put a shield around I

Protect I soul from the workers of iniquity

Jah Rastafari!

Keep I strong down here in babylon city"

It is followed by two songs which well had to 'earn' my affections, but have done just that, 'Back To The Land' and 'Innocent Child'. The latter of these two is the stronger of the pair. There is just something really magnetic about that song, but it is subtle so in its case and really in the case of both of these two, be careful not to pass a final judgment after just one listen or two. And then there is 'Deliver Me Jah'. If you wanted to call this one the second best song on the whole of "Exodus", you couldn't get much of an argument from me. It's excellent and what stands out are the vibes of the song. The musical presentation here, guided by an excellent, is one fantastic and when you break through to the lyrics, it only gets even stronger. 

Rounding out the album is another nice quartet of songs which also offer up some big moments of their own. The clear leader of these (literally and figuratively) is 'Life Is Forever'. 

"I wonder if the people know

That life is forever

And we are all one family

So we should come together

If you have faith inna The Almighty

Love the birds inna di are and all the fish inna di sea

Love your friend dem

Mi tell yuh love yuh enemy

Love the murderer, the thief, the police and the junky

No matter if you Black, White or Indian

No matter what your race or your complexion

We all come from The Motherland

Afrika where we come from" 

Probably one of the best written songs I've ever heard from First Born, 'Life Is Forever' makes its point as a unity song saying that if we treat one another better and observe all the many things that we have in common, the world shall go on and in a wonderful way. Again, also take note of how nice the sound is on this on as well. Speaking of unity, also check 'Unite' which is a similarly cleverly composed piece which kind of build upon the them of 'Life Is Forever’. On this song First Born says that the lack of unity is directly to be blamed for many of the ills of society including "war and crime". 'Stop Da Badness', which I do really enjoy continues that line of thinking and although I wouldn't say it is strong of a tune as either 'Life Is Forever' or 'Unite' it does hold its place later on "Exodus". And lastly is another track which isn't a big favourite of mine here, 'Life In The Ghetto'. This one is extremely straight-forward and somewhat lumbering, but what it does have going for it is lyrics which is why you should hear it, ultimately.  

Overall, as I said, "Exodus Chapter 13; Verse 2" is one of First Born's better albums. While I would rank "Irits" ahead of it, I think that its qualities at least places it in the discussion of being as good as their other records. And, getting back to the premise of the review. How amazing is it that ALL of those albums come from a single source and though you may think of the group, themselves, as somewhat remote and obscure, I don't in this case and given Vizion Sounds Records consistent level of activity, it's made albums like this one relatively easy to track down still. Because of 'Prince of Peace', I'll never stop listening to it, but even if you check it for a single song or a just a few, I think that, particularly as a debut album, "Exodus Chapter 1; Verse 2", much like First Born, still can find a healthy place in the collection of just about any passionate Reggae fan. 

Rated: 4/5

Vizion Sounds Records

1999/2003

CD + Digital 

Review #467

The Vault Reviews: Irits by First Born

Its interesting that throughout most of the history of Reggae music there is a specific make up of a unit which is currently not present on the scene very much, if at all. The concept of vocal groups and just vocal units in general have all but abandoned the scene despite being so popular in the ages of yesteryear and, in my opinion, the absence of these groups, in part, is what SO obvious and noticeable that it has led man to proclaim the modern era SO far less than those of old. Of course, they’re not all gone, instead they seem to have flooded, in whatever mode they may exist, almost exclusively to the Dancehall side (and it is and has been my point that no one would can say that so many of those, both talented and not very, wouldn’t have been Dancehall acts had that genre been available (and profitable) during their time). Thus, when you say GROUPS in Reggae music, probably the most obvious two names which come up are T.O.K and Ward 2. You also have others like the now defunct Innocent Kru and of course Scare Dem, Dutty Cup and Monster Shack/Hempire in the not too distant past. However, between T.O.K and the Ward those two as UNITS specifically have made such great strides in doing what they do that they have become (unlike either Scare Dem or Monster Shack or Innocent Kru to a lesser degree or even L.U.S.T. thus far) recognizable as the groups and not as singular artists. You reading this right now, can you name, right off the top your head, the members of T.O.K? Its to the point where when one of the members of the group went Japanese and released a compilation album which he produced, Bombrush Hour, on the cover of his album he was billed as “Bay-C from T.O.K. presents Bombrush Hour; as if to explain who this guy was and what qualifications he had to being presenting such a thing (incidentally the main group T.O.K also just released their own album, Our World, in the Japanese market and it’s scheduled to reach the West in August). Also on Ward 21’s recent album, Genesis, did you have to hesitate in figuring out which member was AWOL, if you figured it out at all? I did. Now that’s strictly on the Dancehall side (not counting things like The Alliance and the Empire and such as they are STRICTLY combinations of solo artists), on the Roots side of things, things are far more anorexic in terms of groups as, unless I’m missing one I can’t particularly think of a single group which is active on any type of considerable. Of course there’s Turbulence’s once promising Higher Trod which simply hasn’t worked out as Prince Javed, Jumbo Ras’ and whoever else is there, have yet to catch on with the masses to any real degree. The same situation exists with Sizzla’s Judgment Yard, although Joseph Shepherd and Congo Judah show potential, they do so a solo artists largely as does Capleton’s ever present David House of Jah Thunder and family. None of them really stick out as GROUPS like greats of yesteryear, The Abyssinians, The Paragons, The Royals, The Itals, Israel Vibration and COUNTLESS others who stood as SUCCESSFUL Roots Reggae groups/bands throughout the years.

But the Roots Reggae group is not COMPLETELY gone. If you travel outside of Jamaica two relatively successful acts are ongoing as groups and one of which is the PERFECT example of what I mean. The first is the now famed Star Lion Family out of St. Thomas, which includes the likes of stars Pressure Busspipe and NiyoRah as well as Ickarus, Kimbe Don and other talented members. The SLF isn’t EXACTLY what I had in mind but I mention them as a testament to that same dynamic as they came up as a group, releasing an album (From The Heart) and an EP (Brighter Days) in the process. Going south, however, you stumble across a group which, unless I’m forgetting someone immensely (and I might be), in my opinion stands as the CLEAR best Roots Reggae group in the game right now as Guyana’s MIGHTY five man group, First Born, has been doing big things making music for His Majesty from even before the turn of the century. First Born is aligned with THE name in Reggae music in Guyana, Walter Fraser, and signed to his label, Vizion Sounds Records (not to be confused with Batch’s extremely similar titled Sound V.I.Zion imprint out of St. Croix). Fraser has quietly become one of the most experienced and well regarded names in the game as he has worked alongside so many popular names including Fantan Mojah (for whom he produced the VERY NICE Uplift Yourself, a combination with First Born, on his debut album, Hail The King in 2005), Luciano (for whom he produced a full album, Gideon, also in 2005, which featured another combination alongside the group) and a whole heap of others, including the man himself, Dennis Emmanuel Brown and Gregory Isaacs also. Fraser and Vizion Sounds also worked with Guyanese Reggae star Natural Black in producing and releasing his 2006 album Cool Nuh Black. Under the guidance of Fraser, the group has made major impacts all along the way including actually making a name for themselves and even voicing in Jamaica. After a 2005 in which he worked with both Mojah and The Messenjah, the next year Fraser and Vizion Sounds would release First Born’s latest and probably BEST album to date, Irits, which was also definitely their most high profile release. If I recall correctly the very first time I remember hearing about the Irits album it was on radio where it spun a few times which was definitely a big thing for the group. The album was, by my count, their fourth album as it followed the very nice debut Exodus 13, Verse 2 way back in 1999; then there was Confident 2003 which was VERY good and like the first, was recorded a great deal in Jamaica and helped by the legendary head of Xterminator, Philip ‘Fattis’ Burrell and the third was Wake Up Call, also recorded in Jamaica which was another very good drop in their catalogue and a double disc bit at that. Irits, in my opinion, more than lived up to the expectations of the prior albums and even more. If I had to recommend you to buy a single First Born album, luckily it would be their most accessible as Irits is REALLY solid modern Roots Reggae throughout.

A couple of interesting things about First Born’s actual style: First, it is to my knowledge that they previously and initially existed as a strictly vocal group. Which means that you won’t hear any baritone voiced DJ à la T.O.K or Ward 21, all of First Born’s members are singers. Also it is worth mentioning that they ALWAYS keep a Roots edge, you won’t find many party songs or anything and that’s a good thing for them. Getting things started on their album Irits is another good thing with the bubbling Another Child’s Tear. The tune is one which is actually kind of rough but still really nice as it warns all that when we do something to push corruption it is not only US that suffer but sometimes those who can’t care for themselves also. Big vibes and in a small package there. Next up is the SWEET chant that is Only Love that, in my opinion really shows a nice diverse talent from First Born and is definitely one of my favourite tunes on the album. It very much has that stereotypical Afrikan chanting style and cadence and it works here so well as the group reminds us that, indeed, only love can set us free. As far as the opening few tunes go, Only Love is only topped by the nearly MASSIVE Lift Up Mine Eyes. This one could have been big given proper promotion I have no doubt as it is worked to be absolutely the finest tune that it could be and having been listening to it and spinning it for any and everyone who would listen for quite awhile now, I have to say that it really reaches a nerve that maybe even the two tunes on the album which I regard as definitively ‘better’ (whatever that means), cannot. Lift Up Mine Eyes is a very inspirational vibes and it can help you through quite a bit should you have certain things going on and I’m definitely the one to ask about that. REALLY big tune that could have been much better publicly given that opportunity like I said but you should pick it up and make it that big for you PERSONALLY.

As soon as the opening of the Irits becomes memory (good memory) the two BIGGEST tunes of the album roll in . The first has to be one of the most CREATIVE pieces I’ve ever heard as First Born makes a lyrical connection to society in the metaphor of a football match! Never once drifting into the corny category (which was very possible), the song is absolute MAGIC and not to be missed (across a lick of Gregory Isaacs Number One riddim). Players Play is only topped on Irits the album by Irits the song, which is MASSIVE! The tune follows such an interesting story style of vibes lyrically and is curiously backed by a cut of the Three Blind Mice riddim. This one is another inspirational vibes but of an EPIC degree as First Born get into territory where the song just makes you feel so good and you can call it whatever you like but as for me, when a tune can do that, to the core, it’s a Masterclass piece and that is exactly what Irits is (and is the second best tune I’ve heard from them, you’ll have to track down PRINCE OF PIECE on their debut to hear their best). Of course that level isn’t matched on the album but that doesn’t mean that the vibes dip at all because they really don’t. Immediately up next is the bouncing Why Should A Man, which I’m sure I know from somewhere and First Born uses quite well (incidentally, I’ve always said one of the members sounds a lot like alien voiced Jamaican singer Ghost and its clearly evident as he pervades on Why Should A Man). The anti-violence piece Rudy Gun Laddie is another fantastic vibes and its particularly crucial as it ‘aims’ itself as largely a message to the youths and those who more susceptible to living (and falling) by the gun, no matter the material rewards. First Born and Fraser also tap Gregory Isaacs vast hoard of compositions on the obligatory tune for the ladies, Special Queen as the tune comes across the immortal Night Nurse riddim. Of course, the guys don’t do the riddim what Isaacs did to it but their effort on the tune, which honestly isn’t amongst my favourites, is definitely respectable. Black Struggle is another tune which strides in a similar levels as those attained by Lift Up Mine Eyes as it sounds downright ROYAL and throws itself in the direction of those who have harmed the children of Afrikan along the way. And the tune is LOVELY but I’ll briefly mention it because I know you’re wondering, Frustration Part 2 is the ‘sequel’ to a tune on the Confident album (the first version is slightly better in my opinion). The aforementioned Luciano makes the only guest appearance on Irits as the same tune which appears on his Gideon album is present on Irits as well, Cut & Go Through. You have to be REALLY bad to make a bad combination with Luciano and thankfully First Born and Fraser aren’t that AT ALL and Cut & Go Through, from every possible angle of scrutiny and analysis is one of my favourites on the album. Also be sure to let that one grow on you a bit, its not such an ‘immediate’ tune in my opinion. As Irits winds down it keeps STOCKING big vibes. Check the BIG tune praising His Imperial Majesty, Vision Or Sight which is SO BIG and definitely one of the highlights here. It goes off on those who are blinded to His Majesty (by choice) and blinded to righteousness in general and definitely be sure to pay attention to the lyrics on that one. Nazarite is BEAUTIFUL with another big old school spiritual vibes (any time I see a tune with the word Nazarite, my eyes light up because I remember an old tune from Chrisinti name Land Of The Nazarite, definitely check that one on his Comfort My People album) which just work so well here. And ending matters on Irits from First Born is another HUGE spiritual tune, Know HIM. This one is literally SPARKLING at times and is one of the more subtle tunes on the album as well. This one got me really close a few times as the vibes are just so strong and nearly overwhelming at times. EXCELLENT way to end things with one of the best on the album.

Overall (and YOU KNOW I just dug up that Chrisinti tune), Irits and all of First Born’s catalogue get a rather easy seal of recommendation from me. I think you could have very well took them to any era of Reggae music and had them be so successful (and probably more so) as the music is just so nice and I love Walter Fraser’s production in terms of putting them with largely older and older sounding compositions on which to work their magic. It should also be said that they aren’t exactly too young anymore with my research saying that the youngest of the five was born in 1980 and the second-youngest being back in ‘75 so definitely they are in their musical prime in terms of the type of music they make. Irits, in my opinion, is the best they sound in a complete album form and I was so happy to see it made available digitally and hopefully Fraser and Vizion Sounds will do the same with the rest of their music as well. What you have here is a literal and figurative statement of the power of modern Reggae. No. There aren’t so many GREAT or so many in general vocal groups but with material like Irits, I’d put First Born as the best such group to come around in quite awhile (and hopefully they give us a new album this year!).

Rated 4.5/5 stars

Vizion Sounds Records

2006

CD + Digital