In Vain

Six years after their debut album 'Rough & Sweet', The Rocksteady Conspiracy - the Austrian/Italian vintage rocksteady band - has recorded their second full-length album. The title 'In Vain' doesn't promise any sunshine reggae or tropical dreams. Singer Fabian has the blues and alternates between bitter realization ("Good To Know"), frustration at not having time for conversation and reflection ("No Time"), anger at the state of the world ("Talk, Talk, Talk"), and deep sadness ("Thirsty"). In between, guest vocalist Boss Capone from the Dutch band The Upsessions shares his experiences ("Trouble & Danger").

On the B-side, there seems to be a brief glimmer of hope ("Tonight"). After an episode with flashing blue lights ("Police"), however, we find ourselves once again grappling with fate ("What Can I Do?") and concluding with a wishful dream ("Miss Reggay"). The final track features arrangements and psychedelic dub effects from sound engineer Florian Widhalm, bringing the whole story to a euphoric and ecstatic close.

No religious clichés are trotted out here, no patois is mimed, and Babylon isn't burned down. It's about love and suffering and the analog sound without any fuss.

Tracklist

A1.   Good To Know
A2.   No Time
A3.   Talk Talk Talk
A4.   Trouble & Danger
A5.   Thirsty

B1.   Tonight
B2.   Police
B3.   What Can I Do?
B4.   Miss Reggay
B5.   Waterwalkin' Dub