Inspired sentiments and smooth, clean modern production – a fresh collection of reggae songs designed to bring warmth, optimism, and beauty to the audio space. Jotskiy has released a multitude of projects in recent months, and the mighty Dreaming Of Heaven marks a timeless introduction.
Beginning with its title-track, the reggae rhythms and vocals quickly bridge the gap between nostalgia and contemporary design, and the songwriting draws upon historical struggle and positivity in equal parts – depicting a dark past, but shining light on a much brighter tomorrow, in theory. Dreaming of Heaven is a great song, melancholic and evocative, and it sets the bar high for the rest of the album.
After this, Love Is Di Law takes a more subtle, mid-album approach, with layered vocals and more of the same togetherness and warmth to reinforce the unity and bliss of Dreaming of Heaven. That subtle touch of choir-like fullness brings out a new side of the project, and this is followed by further modest contrast, as System in the Shadows takes a much more bold, energised, impassioned route, for a confrontational and politicised post-punk reggae anthem. which is fearless in its outspoken confidence. Nostalgic references to Babylon and the like, along with the groove and vocal tone, keep things connected to the timeless appeal of reggae, while the stories work hard to reach out to the current global situation.
Dreaming Of Heaven also includes the catchy upbeat anthem Herb is a Liberty, a track that would almost certainly hit with impact in the right kind of circles – an uplifting earworm that’s both celebratory and awakening; a good vibes celebration of personal freedom and intoxication. A definite highlight for its vast cultural relevance.
Things mellow out musically for the fingerstyle and spacious poetry of One Nation in Heaven, another evocative anthem, with a poignant then beautifully unifying chorus. And to soften the mood further, Gorgeous One is simple and satisfying, with paired vocals adding a romantic and colourful dynamic.
Arrangement matters, and the mellow contemplation of One Proverb at a Time is perfectly placed for impact. Soulful electric guitar and vocal dynamic, spoken segments, Christian sentiments, all guides us into a thoughtful and again inspiring journey. This is followed by further smooth guitar sounds, and an almost ska-like full-band aura, for the loving gratitude of Only You Know.
And to finish, the saxophone takes soulful swagger one step further, for a melodic highlight in the form of Revelation Chant – another ode to Christian values, which wraps up the Dreaming of Heaven project in a heartfelt and calming way. A modest favourite and beautifully crafted in both lyrical imagery and musicality.
Jotskiy has released multiple albums of late, providing a clean and perfectly mastered collection of reggae songs and stories, each seemingly designed to remind you of your humanity, whilst soothing the nerves and effectively relieving you of the weight of the outside world.
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