Sound System by Rasta Orchestra: A Wild Ride Through Jungle and Dub Vibes
Alright, let’s talk about Sound System by Rasta Orchestra. This 2008 gem from Russia is one of those albums that feels like it was made for late-night headphone sessions or sweaty dancehall raves where everyone’s lost in the bassline. With genres spanning Electronic and Reggae, and styles dipping into Dancehall, Dub, and Jungle, this record isn’t just an album—it’s a vibe machine. Alexey Rahov (Performer) and Erkki Puolakainen (Sounds) clearly poured their souls into this project, and boy, does it show.
Now, I gotta say, there are tracks here that hit harder than others, but two stood out to me so much they’re practically tattooed on my brain now: "Time To Get There (Jungle Tempo)" and "Bam Bam (Daryah AfroDite Rmx)."
First up, "Time To Get There (Jungle Tempo)." Man, this track kicks off with these glitchy breaks that feel like your heart skipping a beat—like you're running through actual jungles at night while neon lights flash behind you. The rhythm builds slowly, teasing you, until BAM! You’re fully submerged in its chaotic beauty. It’s not just music; it’s adrenaline wrapped in soundwaves. Every time I hear it, I wanna grab my sneakers and sprint somewhere—anywhere—as if the destination doesn’t even matter as long as the beat keeps pushing me forward.
And then we have "Bam Bam (Daryah AfroDite Rmx)." Oh man, this one? Pure fire. Daryah’s vocals float over the mix like smoke curling up from a spliff, smooth yet heavy. That remix twist adds layers upon layers of percussion, making it impossible NOT to move. Like seriously, try sitting still when this drops—you can’t. It’s got this hypnotic pull, almost spiritual, like it’s calling out to something primal inside you. By the end of it, I’m always left breathless, wondering how they managed to cram so much energy into four minutes.
What makes Sound System special isn’t just the technical brilliance—it’s the raw emotion dripping off every track. These guys weren’t just making beats; they were crafting experiences. Whether it’s the sax-heavy chill of "Река Джунгли" or the straight-up banger vibes of "Novemba," each song pulls you deeper into their world. And yeah, sure, some remixes feel repetitive after a while, but honestly? That’s part of the charm. It’s messy, alive, imperfect—and perfect because of it.
Here’s the thing though: listening to this album feels like stepping into another dimension, one where rules don’t exist and anything goes. But halfway through, I realized something kinda funny. For all its futuristic jungle vibes, Sound System actually feels nostalgic. Maybe it’s the way the samples echo memories you didn’t know you had, or maybe it’s just the fact that no one makes music quite like this anymore. Either way, it’s a trip worth taking.
So yeah, if you ever find yourself craving a soundtrack for life’s wilder moments—or just need something to blast when you’re stuck in traffic—give Sound System a spin. Just don’t blame me if you start hearing jungle breaks in your dreams. Trust me, it happens.
The information is duplicated on release in two languages - Russian and English.
Tracklisting:
1 Действуй!
2 Река Любви Растафарай
3 Река Джунгли
4, 5 Новемба
6, 7 Кури!
8, 9 Пора Туда
10 Джа Космос
11 Свети Сияй
12 Моё Имя
15 Джангл Даб
17 Не Важно...
Packaged in a jewel case with 4-page booklet.
Duration taken from PC.
Barcodes
Matrix / Runout: RASTA ORCHESTRA
About Rasta Orchestra
Founded in 1994 by six Russian citizens of Tallinn, Estonia. The Group is mixing sounds from reggae, Russian folk and Hip Hop.
Line-up:
Sergei "Sjoma" Maspanov - voc., balalaika
Igor Levin - electric guitar
Alexander Mulyarov - bass guitar
Vassili Naidyonov - voc., perc.
Pyotr Nikiforov - clarinet, perc.
Anneli Kadakas - drums, perc.
Darya Komarova - vocal, perc.
Here’s a cool fact: The album *Sound System* by Rasta Orchestra is a wild mix of genres and styles, blending Electronic, Reggae, Dancehall, Dub, and Jungle. Released in 2008 in Russia, it’s packed with tracks that feel like a journey through sound. One standout detail? The track *"Bam Bam"* has multiple versions, including remixes by Daryah and even an AfroDite version. It’s like they couldn’t stop experimenting, giving listeners a bunch of ways to experience the same song. The credits also reveal some interesting teamwork—like Alexey Rahov on performance and Erkki Puolakainen handling sounds. It’s a true musical melting pot!