Natural Radio Station - Treasure (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Review)

August 14, 2008 by Dennis Amith

“The reggae duo from Fukuoka are back with their fourth mini-album ‘Treasure’ featuring a balance of cool reggae, a reggae cover of Fujii Fumiya’s ‘TRUE LOVE’ and multiple collaborations.”

GROUP: Natural Radio Station

ALBUM: Treasure

LABEL: Riddim Zone

CATALOG #: RZCD-45915

DURATION: 27:45

RELEASE DATE: June 25, 2008

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

宝物～ムーンハイツストーリー～
Welcome to 九州
TRUE LOVE
Answer
Summer Night
福岡WALKER ～KAEDAMA remix～

Japan has its share of reggae duo’s and Natural Radio Station is a group is one of the group’s that has been around since 2004 and released their first major label mini-album “Arigatou” in 2007.

The duo which consists of Lico Lion (vocalist) and deejay 勝男 are part of the growing respect for Japanese reggae in the Kyushu and Fukuoka area and “Treasure” is an album that shows that love for their home area.

The first track “宝物～ムーンハイツストーリー～” (or Treasure ~Moon Heights Story~) is the main track on this album which features the deep bass and reggae vibe. Strings samples kicks the song off for its first few minutes and settles to the group’s reggae style and guitars by Yoshikawa Osamu and vocal arrangement by Kenny Priest (the funquest).

The song also is features as an extra with an mpg video file featuring the music video of the track. The music video features the duo performing on a rooftop and focusing on various people who have treasured friendships. Such as one guy who is sick and calling his female friend who takes care of him.

The second track “Welcome to 九州” (Welcome to Kyushu) is the only track that is not reggae-like on this mini-album.

The track is an upbeat, synth and electric guitar based fast rap-fest and J-Pop vocals. The track features collaborations with CAP ROCK, Danger-Shu Hiropon, JAI and KC from CHOMORANMA.

A very cool track overall since I wasn’t expecting the fierce flow of hip hop and the electric guitar and the multiple talent on this track alone.

Another surprise was to hear the duo do a reggae cover of the Fujii Fumiya’s classic love song “TRUE LOVE”. The cover also features some MC rap segments as well. Overall, a surprising cover to hear on this album but cool overall!

The fourth track “ANSWER” features another collaboration track with U-DOU & PLATY. Similar to “Treasure”, a reggae track with the use of strings. This is the only track written by another group, in this case by U-DOU & PLATY.

The fifth track “Summer Night” is an upbeat track that features more of an R&B sound with a hip-hop style with the DJ scratching and an all out funky beat.

The sixth track “福岡WALKER ～KAEDAMA remix～” (or Fukuoka WALKER ~KAEDAMA remix~”). The track features a more dance hall reggae sound. Fast, upbeat and very cool.

The CD insert features the lyrics to the five tracks and the production credits.

All in all, this latest mini-album from Natural Radio Station features a good balance of reggae, dance hall and hip-hop and R&B influenced tracks.

The album is pretty cool overall and with the Riddim Zone label offering a good amount of Japanese reggae, this duo from Fukuoka definitely has some flair.

All in all, a solid release by Natural Radio Station and “Treasure” is a mini-album worth checking out!