This is one we've truly been looking forward to: 'Harder Than The Rock' marks the first new album from British reggae pioneers Cimarons in nearly 45 years!
By Jah Rebel
That said, die-hard fans will find parts of the track list ringing a familiar bell, as the band combines fresh material with reworked classics.
It kicks off with the excellent title track ‘Harder Than The Rock’, originally released as a single back in 1978. Closing track ‘Reggae Rhapsody’ originally appeared as ‘Rock Rock Reggae Rhapsody’ on ‘On The Rock’ (Vulcan, 1976), ‘Mother Earth’ was taken from ‘Maka’ (Polydor, 1978), and ‘Morning Sun’, originally recorded with Al Barry on vocals and here featuring a lovely flute part by Lucho Lopez, was first released as a single back in 1970.
The dub-infused, nyahbinghi-driven opener ‘Ship Took Us Away’ has only ever circulated in live versions until now, and ‘Eternal Peace’ is a heartfelt take on the Johnny Osbourne classic.
It’s rare for a band to emerge stronger after switching lead vocalists, and while we remain devoted fans of Winston Reedy’s voice and legacy, we have to tip our hat to the phenomenal Michael Arkk. What a revelation!
The album was recorded at Roberto Sánchez’s A-Lone Ark Muzik Studio in Santander, with instrumental support from his Lone Ark Riddim Force. It’s no surprise then that ‘Harder Than The Rock’ sounds like a lost roots classic straight out of the golden ’70s era.
After more than five decades, Cimarons remain ‘Harder Than The Rock’!
Founder alongside Jah Shakespear who transitioned to this role in late 2014. Previously worked as critic and reporter, balancing passions for music and Haile Selassie spirituality.
June 20, 2025