Leah Rosier + Rise & Shine - Only Irie Vibes (Self-published/Dibyz Music)

Leah and the band from Besançon first touched base on social media back in 2011, resulting in singles like 'Music Teach Me' (Opus riddim), 'Love Fyah' and 'Enough Is Enough' (Pitaya riddim). As there was a definite chemistry between the singer and Rise & Shine, it was only a matter of time for a full-fledged album to follow. Title track and album opener 'Only Irie Vibes', a production by Menno van der Gaag and Marc Baronner, the duo behind Not Easy At All Productions, could just as well have been the ideal dubplate for the ailing Irie Vibes festival. Leah's portrait also adorns the cover of 'Génération H, Têtes chercheuses d'Existence', the second book by Alexandre Grondeau about the so-called "Génération H", and the fact she's definitely a fan of the green herb Rosier proves on 'Only Irie Vibes' with tracks leaving little to the imagination, like 'High Grade Woman' and 'Herbalist'. For 'Only Irie Vibes' Leah also travelled to Jamaica where she collaborated with legendary trio Mighty Diamonds ('All Around The World') and recorded 'Rebel The Music' with rising talent Jahbar I. The only tracks on 'Only Irie Vibes' with a slightly different vibe are 'Lottery', the only song on the album over a digital riddim, and closing track 'My Dream', with Rosier going soul. Varied album from a young singer who continues to evolve and grow.