In their own fresh way, Pama International have always been at once looking backwards and moving forwards. Their new record, Pama Outernational is a prime example of how the group maintains transparent influences without succumbing to the limitations of any one genre.
Despite being an all-dub band, Pama International aren’t a retro band, they aren’t recalling one specific time in music history. Many of the tunes on Outernational are in the style of early reggae and rocksteady, but the end result is not the scratchy scorchers of old- this is clean and polished. Spic and span.
Besides this impressively fresh and recognizable style Pama has developed, their lyrics are not merely an afterthought. On Outernational, you’ll find the lyrics are still very much in touch with the political consciousness that Pama fans have grown accustomed to. Songs like Are We Saved Yet and Question The Answer fit well with the call-for-change attitude of previous Pama cuts like Highrise and Throwaway Society. But positivity shines through everything they do, and ultimately Pama Outernational is an uplifting record.
I Still Love You More is easily the most obvious candidate for the standout single on Outernational. Like many other uplifting ska tunes that have come before, it’s groovy, dance-y and fun while delivering a Keep On Keepin’ On message of perseverance.
As of yet, you can only preorder Pama Outernational from overseas websites, but a little bird told me that MusicalOcupation.com will be picking up the US distro for future Rockers Revolt releases. So keep your eyes peeled!
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