For decades, France has stood as a bastion of musical creativity, fostering both seasoned veterans and emerging artists who contribute significantly to the global music landscape. Among these talents is Jeandelafamily, an alternative band hailing from the picturesque Reunion Island in France. Led by Jean Dread, also known as Jean Baikiom, Jeandelafamily has carved its niche by seamlessly blending reggae and electronic music, creating a sonic experience that captivates audiences. Jean Dread’s musical journey began on Reunion Island, where he absorbed the rich influences of Jamaican and Creole sounds. Later, his family’s move to France further enriched his musical palette, setting the stage for the creation of Jeandelafamily.
One of the gems in their discography is the 1999 release, “Judge Not To Be Judge,” which marked their debut album. Within this collection of musical exploration lies the standout single, “Solution Dub.” Senocular, an enthusiastic revisitor of musical masterpieces, takes us on a journey into the heart of this psychedelic electronic reggae hit. “Solution Dub” immediately captivates with its steady, pulsating beat, creating a foundation for the distinctive dub-style bassline. The track unfolds with spacey, atmospheric synths gracefully drifting in and out of the mix, creating an otherworldly ambiance. Jeandelafamily’s artistry shines through as they skillfully weave together elements of reggae and electronic music, a testament to their genre-bending capabilities.
What sets “Solution Dub” apart is the band’s clever use of delayed vocal samples, adding an additional layer of depth to the composition. These vocal snippets, strategically placed, emphasize the thematic core of the track – the importance of finding solutions to the challenges life presents. Beyond its musical prowess, “Solution Dub” serves as a sonic reminder that amidst the chaos, there are answers waiting to be uncovered. Jeandelafamily’s ability to seamlessly merge diverse musical elements reflects their commitment to pushing creative boundaries. Their unique sound has garnered them a dedicated following, with “Solution Dub” standing out as a timeless testament to their musical ingenuity.
In a world saturated with music, Jeandelafamily’s “Solution Dub” remains a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a seasoned reggae enthusiast or an electronic music aficionado, this track promises a journey through uncharted sonic territories. To delve deeper into Jeandelafamily’s musical universe, enthusiasts can explore their discography on Bandcamp. The band’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of musical expression continues to resonate, making “Solution Dub” an essential addition to any playlist that craves a touch of psychedelic reggae magic.
LISTEN TO THE ALBUM:
ABOUT THE BAND:
JEAN DREAD/FAMILY BAND Hailing from Reunion Island, Jean Dread grew up with JA and Creole sounds before his family moved to France. As a young Lion, Jean formed the group in 1994 with the family onboard. The youthful lineup was Tony (drums), Virginie (keys), Micka (bass) with additional contributions from Kerdouch Hassan (keys) and Cotino (vox, bass). The beautiful element is that the Baikiom family were youthful in age (at this time) and created sounds like true veterans. In the mid to late ’90’s, they performed a series of powerful concerts in Paris and surrounding areas like Sannois and Bagnolet. The culmination of their experience led to the recording of this stunning debut. The realities of making a living and education led to the end of the first chapter of Jean’s musical path. After a brief hiatus, he has kept the Fyah burning as JEANDELAFAMILY and JEAN DREAD. New works have been realized; a forthcoming Bob Marley tribute album is expected. This humble Rastaman has endured and still delivers his powerful vocals and lilting bass (his first instrument).
