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French multi-instrumentalist Youthie (Juliette Bourdeix) first crossed our path back in 2019 with 'Nomad Skank', a collaboration with Macca Dread. The 'Nomad Skank Rework' EP followed in 2021, this time alongside Alkemist, but albums like 'The Roots Explorers' (2022), 'Gecko Tones' (2024) and 'Alma De Pajaro' (2025) unfortunately slipped under our radar. All the more reason, then, to happily reconnect with 'Wild Vibes'.
His name may no longer appear on the cover, but Macca Dread remains Youthie's trusted producer and right-hand man, handling guitar, bass, keyboards, drums and percussion. The only guest musician on 'Wild Vibes' is guitarist Kubix, who features on 'Flor De Luna'.
Much like on 'Gecko Tones', where reptiles such as the caiman, iguana, gecko and chameleon popped up throughout the track list, 'Wild Vibes' once again follows a clear thematic thread. This time, Youthie draws inspiration from flowers and plants: the sunflower ('El Girasol'), moonflower ('Flor De Luna'), lotus ('Lotus Dub'), bamboo ('Bamboo Groove'), rowan or mountain-ash ('Rowan Step') and even the monstera, better known to most as a houseplant ('Monstera Vibes').
As on 'Nomad Skank', Youthie takes us on a rich sonic world tour, switching effortlessly between flute, trumpet, accordion, and this time even bagpipes ('Rowan Step'), all while consistently keeping dub and reggae as the foundation.
Until further notice we remain big fans of this gifted French musical chameleon!
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About the author
Jah RebelMore Less
Together with Jah Shakespear, one of the founders of Reggae.be, he first started as a critic and a reporter before in the end of 2014 becoming editor in chief. Divides his time between his two passions: music and Haile Selassie.
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Published
May 4, 2026