The Rocksteady Conspiracy – In Vain

The title In Vain already gives you an idea of what lies ahead. This isn’t an album about endless sunshine and easy-going romance. The bittersweet opening track, Good To Know, sets the mood immediately. The band’s lead singer Fabian delivers a heartfelt lover’s lament, telling his girlfriend that “it’s good to know that our love has gone.” Things remain reflective on No Time, where he sings about the frustration of not having enough time for conversation and simply taking a moment to think. On Talk, Talk, Talk, that personal frustration expands into anger about the current state of the world.

Trouble & Danger changes the vocal perspective, with Boss Capone from Dutch reggae outfit The Upsessions stepping up to the mic. His tale of complicated love affairs adds another layer to the album’s exploration of relationships. The A-side then closes on a more tender note with Thirsty, a beautifully understated love song that leaves things on a more emotional note.

If the A-side leans towards the pain and disappointment that can come with love, the flip side offers a little more light. It opens with the compelling Tonight, followed by an energetic, uptempo instrumental called Police. Love takes centre stage again on What Can I Do?, before the slow and compelling Miss Reggay tells of falling for someone and dreaming of holding her close.

As with Police, Waterwalkin’ Dub sits somewhat apart from the rest of the album. Sound engineer Florian Widhalm gives the track a psychedelic dub treatment, adding effects and arrangements that take the music in a different direction and close the album on a distinctly atmospheric note.

In Vain shows that revival music doesn’t have to be a carbon copy of the past. The Rocksteady Conspiracy clearly respects the foundations, but they also know how to make them their own. So, put on your skankin’ shoes, light up something sweet, and let the music play.