Talisman’s new album “Don’t Play with Fyah” is a revelation. Most bands with a history that stretches back four decades are content to go through the motions, their creative peak somewhere in the past, not Talisman. Their new album includes some of the strongest material they’ve ever recorded, with seven brand new songs and the corresponding dub counter parts; this is their finest album to date.
The first single taken from this album is “Relijan”, a roots anthem with lyrics that resonate with contemporary relevance whilst the music has the timeless feel of the best seventies roots. This track raises the game for Talisman and puts them on par with such British greats as Aswad, Steel Pulse and Misty in Roots at their best; without doubt destined to be seen as a classic of the genre.
The single is released as an introduction to the album in the digital format on January 20th 2017. The video has been shot by Michael Jenkins of 8th Sense Media.
With such strong material we knew we had to pull out all the stops when it came to the final mix and who better than legendary musician, producer, engineer and all round British reggae genius Dennis Bovell (Matumbi, Steel Pulse, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Aswad, Madness, Orange Juice, The Slits, The Pop Group, Arcade Fire, Joss Stone).
It’s hard to overstate Dennis Bovell’s contribution to British music, reggae in particular and we can’t think of anyone more qualified to mix this track.
The album includes 14 tracks on the CD and digital download version, there is also a limited edition vinyl LP featuring four of the vocals and their corresponding dub versions, Talisman’s “Don’t Play with Fyah” is released by Sugar Shack Records on March 17th 2017.
Distribution is by Shellshock/ The Orchard and available from all good digital retailers worldwide.