Massilia

Massilia Sound System celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2014, a phenomenal achievement for any band. In their native France they’re a bit of an institution: pioneers of reggae-infused tunes sung in French and Occitan, the language of the troubadours originating in the south of the country that the Marseille-based outfit has been helping keep alive. However, the name of this latest album might serve as a little bit of a warning.

Entitled simply Massilia, it suggests the band may be running out of ideas. There are some fun moments from the vocal trio of Gari Grèu, Moussu T and Papet J. ‘Li Siam’ is a defiant ode to Marseille; ‘Je Marche Avec’ is a catchy number with an almost old-school Americana jazz piano; ‘La Respònsa es Dins lo Vint’ is a welcome down-tempo song, entirely in Occitan.

The problem with this album is that it feels dated. The reggae-tinged sound promoted by fellow French bands such as Sergent Garcia and Spook & The Guay has peaked. Massilia has chosen the route of over-produced pop in a bid to stay current and have lost their rough edge.