Words by Jesse Serwer—
For his latest release, Shining Hope, Gappy Ranks—who came to prominence in 2010 with the Studio One-inspired Put the Stereo On—has gone back to basics once more. In the artist’s own words, the album’s 14 tracks feature “no dancehall or hip-hop influence.”
He must mean current dancehall because “Carpenter,” produced by Royal Order Music’s King Ivier, has a tough, rub-a-dub riddim that captures the spirit and energy of classic, early dancehall. Vibe-wise, it fits nicely alongside another recent LargeUp favorite, “I Know” by Wayne Marshall.
Stream “Carpenter” and tell us what you think below, and, if you like what you hear, go and cop Shining Hope on iTunes here.