Local Review: Afro Omega – American Ital

Afro Omega
American Ital

Rebel Sound Records
Street: 10.09
Afro Omega = Taïro + Black Uhuru

I’m not exaggerating when I say that Utah is blessed to have such a talented group of roots reggae artists on the scene. The grooves in American Ital are rhythmically earthy, and the mix of Bronté James and Elise James’ vocals is well-balanced and divine. “Climbing” is probably my favorite track—the verses compare climbing a mountain to being in a relationship with a call-and-response chorus of “I’d do anything girl/Anything baby.” American Ital touches on everything from embracing natural hair in “Congo I Dread” to resisting the negativity and brainwashing in society in “10 Revolutionaries.” The songwriting in American Ital is exquisite, and the band certainly has the chops to back it up. –Ali Shimkus