Channelling Change, Lacksley Castell’s Lasting Impact with Dub-Driven Morning Glory
Review of Morning Glory by Lacksley Castell by Luka H.
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In the times of turmoil and adversity, the positivity that Reggae music emanates has an energising power over my psyche, my existence, the deep beats, conscious lyrics and riddims inspire, invigorate, enlighten me to positivity.
It has a mystic power.
However, often I have a fleck of sadness wash over me, as unfortunately, when I’m introduced to a new song, I’ll find that the artist had a life cut short, no longer existing in this realm. But I am always grateful for their creative gifts, that they have imparted to us, to appreciate, affect, inspire us.
This is true for Lacksley Castell, who departed from this realm in 1983. The year prior, gifting us with his undoubtedly dubby debut album back in 1982 with “Morning Glory”.
Lacksley Castell’s masterful dub delivery of his poetic lyrics compliments the tempo of the album’s riddims flawlessly. This vibe naturally cascades throughout “Morning Glory”, creating an unmistakably dubby flow. I find “Morning Glory” invoking a dub trance within me, channelling Castell’s energy as he utters his verses taking me on a musical exploration.
The opening track “Leaving”, introduces the listener to an impactful bass beat, shaping the soundscape of “Morning Glory”. The deep dub, bass tempo is enforced by the following tracks taking the listener on a dubby exploration, with a focus on “Morning Glory”, the album’s namesake, “Message to My Woman” and the echoing “Doctor Love”. “Speak Softly” combines catchy verses with upbeat riddims masterfully delivered by Castell.
For me a stand out song of the album has to be “Bound in Bondage”, the profound lyrics calling for freedom over oppression mixed with a true punchy dub beat, the intro in particular is very memorable. The intro enlivens me, channelling energy to my very being. With a message of yearning for liberty and escaping sufferation.
“So long we have bound in bondage. And we wanna be free” and “I wanna be free from all this tragedy. I wanna be free from all this pain an' misery”. Castell’s lyrics encourage me to question why we continue to put up with poor leadership and politicians abusing their powers to subjectact us.
This message to the listener continues in the final song of the album, “Government Man”, Castell highlights the control politicians have over the people with poetic lyrics mixed with the true rebel spirit of the reggae genre. Castell chants down the political class, “mister Government Man”, withholding the wealth of the land; causing the lack of prosperity and denying the “poor man”, the right to provide for his family.
“The poor man, he wants to build a home. He wants to raise a family. The poor man has got his wife and kids. To live for too, you see.”
It’s a theme that is still relevant today, as we see governments taking land and lives from the people, enforcing death and destruction. Castell proclaims “Can't stand the situation no more”, which echoes through the decades from 1982 hitting my ears in 2024.
In Morning Glory, Lacksley Castell delivers more than just music. He offers a timeless reflection on struggle, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom. With his dub-heavy riddims and poetic lyrics that transcend decades, resonating with modern listeners facing similar injustices. Castell’s ability to merge deep rhythmic basslines with profound social commentary is a testament to his artistry and the enduring power of reggae rebel music.
Though his time on this earth was short, his legacy lives on through his masterful crafted music, leaving us with a poignant reminder of reggae's capacity to inspire, enlighten, and call for change.
By Luka H.
