LJX

Lyndon John established himself as one of Canada's most interesting reggae artists with his debut, Two Chord Skanking. For a change, LJX didn't plunge into the international society of Bob Marley reverence. Rather, the comparison this guitar-slinging singer received most often was to Steel Pulse's jazzy, punk-y Anglo-reggae. Brighter Days trades a bit of that fresh energy for a more fully realized production. Songs such as "Rasta Rational" and "Fighting Youth" still bubble, but the title track and "Ticking Time Bomb" are more contemplative and plodding. Even in the more stately songs though, his excellent musicianship produces little details that keep the listener's interest. LJX's lyrics remain on point; he has a knack for applying Rastafarian reasoning to North American situations ― these aren't just fuzzy pledges to Jah. Though this album features a more conventional style of roots reggae, it's a solid follow-up and, hopefully, will garner some Juno consideration.