Bedouin Soundclash

The contemplative tone that made up Bedouin Soundclash frontman Jay Malinowski's first solo album from earlier this year has found its way into much of his band's new release. Aside from opening track "Mountain Top," a bonafide Bedouin, hook-laden single, in line with five years' worth of such undeniable (if not oversaturated) little radio nuggets, things are kept pretty quiet on Light the Horizon. Produced by American DJ/producer King Britt, the usual reggae vibe is subsumed into an almost hypnotizing, subtle Police vibe, most notably on the aforementioned track (with valiant Stu Copeland stick-trickery from new drummer Sekou Lumumba) and on "A Chance of Rain." The surprise standout on the record is the super-stripped-down, smoky duet on "Brutal Hearts" with pop singer Coeur de Pirate, showcasing something a little less conventional than we're used to from Bedouin that's worth nurturing.