The Salt & The Sun
The Salt & The Sun
a review of Father Sun’s Island of Bone - released August 1, 2024
by Seth Abramson
August 26, 2024
Island of Bone is the debut album for the psychedelic reggae band Father Sun. The album maintains an authentic roots-reggae sound, yet manages to weave in threads of influence from jam rock, with a touch of classic rock, and a hint of Appalachia. While listening I was reminded of the Toots and the Maytals’ version of “Country Roads” by John Denver. A central theme of Island of Bone, both musically and lyrically, is to realize your best self while fiercely maintaining your identity. Father Sun knocks that idea out of the park. The songs are relatable and fun to listen to, plus they contain a depth of musicianship and message that inspire reflection and call for a greater sense of connection in our society.
The core band consists of Janiah Allen on bass, his son Nyo Allen holds down the percussion, and Aram Skenderian plays guitar. I have been familiar with Janiah’s work with local legends, Alliens, from Floyd, Virginia, and a handful of other projects over the past decade plus. I was very excited to hear this project, especially their take on the more traditional reggae sound.
The structure of the album is elegant and mindfully composed. It begins with an introduction of sorts in the song “Volume,” which draws in the audience and lays down the vibe, presenting a canvas to be painted. The throughline across the record is in pondering the unfortunate divisions in the world while illustrating a formula for resisting overwhelming forces. Roanoke reggae soul rocker The Ambassador is featured on “The Call,” working together with Jamiel Allen on keyboards to explore the spacey side of the island.
Island of Bone carries the listener through timely and timeless ideas, especially the paradox of longing to return home, only to realize that everything has changed. In the title track “Island of Bone,” the lyrics suggest that solving this complication is done in honoring family history and cherished memories, then carrying those influences forward to create a new, but no less sincere, sense of homecoming. It is a redemptive song about accepting change and carrying on with heart. It’s a fine example of the band’s staccato piano and a distinctive dub flavor, and sets a contemplative stage. The first lyrics, “Take me home,” immediately conjure a flood of connections and memories. Longing to return to one’s “home” is a universal feeling and, as the the song goes on to illustrate, the feeling is often difficult to hold.
The penultimate song “Peace” celebrates humanity, calls for cooler heads to prevail, and makes a plea for a sense of responsibility in the world, singing “We are the people / we don’t want no wars.” I applaud Father Sun for the beautiful and resonant music, practicing what they preach, by living a good life, sharing love and creative expression, that is the mantra of Island of Bone. I look forward to catching Father Sun live soon, but until then, I most definitely recommend this debut album to anyone who has a taste for interesting, virtuous, uplifting reggae music. <>