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 Until Life Until Life is Ramont “Monty G” Green’s international sophomore album, and his first on the Creative Soul Entertainment label, headed up by Kevin Harris (of Marlin Awards fame).  The established producer and artist presents a softer-side to his music with a combination of acoustically-driven ballads and swaying, roots-influenced songs, featuring joint production from Ronnie "DJ Frost" Cash.“Never Be Discouraged” finds Monty G atop a staggering roots riddim, complete with brass accompaniment. The swaying riddim brings a message of encouragement and hope for the listener. Although most reggae tracks, whether dancehall or roots, are predictable, Monty G arranges each track with enough precision to ensure that the album is far from repetitive. “Live for Christ” brings forward another swaying roots vibe atop a bubbling organ and deep-kicking bass. Monty’s gruff vocals smooth the track out with the added bonus of a karaoke-friendly chorus for those that love to sing along. “Big Time Sell Out” raises the tempo a little with an electronically-driven dancehall riddim accented with electronic laser sound effects that bring a “Jamaican sound system” feel to the track. Monty G also pays tribute to the origins of reggae by including a ska track entitled “Whose Name.” This upbeat cut puts all electronic musical devices aside, relying instead on brass horns and a bopping two-step riddim to bring the lyrics of praise and worship to life. Then there's a wonderful ballad entitled “Brighter Day.” No drums here, just Monty G atop a beautifully-composed piano melody with a message of thanksgiving for “all the hard working mothers and fathers.” Although Until Life is a definite roots-flavored album, dancehall fans need not fear, for Monty adds “Only One Way” to quench any dancehall cravings. His lyrics of glorification and worship of the “King of kings” are carefully cradled between a simple combination of deep-kicking bass and quick-stepping synth-electronic effects. Surprisingly, the title track is found at the end of the album, but it is such an appropriate ending. Monty’s signature rough voice cries out with heartfelt praise and worship, backed by a smoldering horn arrangement and a plucking bass-line. In little over a year, Monty G has become a mainstay and one of the most influential artists in Gospel reggae; with this sophomore release, there's no question as to why. Until Life continues to present evidence that there is such a thing as Righteous roots.
Email This To A Friend Creative Soul Entertainment — reviewed by Maria "Kiddkapps" Capulong —
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