'The Anchants' Roots-Rockas-Reggae
ANCHANTS BIO
There’s a certain sickness that exists in the music industry and it’s called “labels.” When one hears the term “Reggae” there are usually many stereotypical labels like, “Jamaica,” and some of its more popular recording artists, that come to mind. This music, which is looked at primarily as Jamaican is however, far from such. Other Caribbean islands by influence as well as their own initiatives, have produced a large number of artists that can easily be placed into the “Reggae” category. Take for example the influx of musicians from the Virgin Islands that are finally being heard and taken seriously. From Dezarie to JahCob Seed, Raga El and the more popularly known Midnite. It is for certain that musicians of the said category are developing from all portions of the earth. Well! Now come “The Anchants,” a definite cure to the stereotypes.
It was the mid-summer of 2002. While living in Raleigh, NC, writer/vocalist, Arif Anwar, decided on starting the band. Desiring to harness, what he calls the “ancient harmony,” He set out to find members who could assist him with this musical endeavor. Wanting to keep a strong Caribbean influence, former St. Croix residents, Kervin and his twin brother Mervin Augustin, “The Twins,” were called in. Kervin sits in as bassist and handles the position as a natural. His bass lines can vary from slow and hypnotic to warm and inviting, tempting you to move. Mervin, the other half of the pair, is of the family of percussion. He plays keys and offers a laid back yet consistent delivery. It is also through them that drummer, Tip, from the sister island, St. Thomas, was introduced to the band. His one-drop style is unique, and he has an unexpected method of decoration. To complete the band, the mic is blessed by Arif Anwar, the voice instrument. ‘Fire,’ as expressed by fellow musicians, would be the best way to describe what he does lyrically. “Beyond unorthodox,” he incorporates it all. Combining many musical and vocal styles, not to mention, he’s quite frank. Take, for example, the opening lines to the title track “Changing Times.” “These times are changing right before your eyes, nothing is any longer a disguise. The ruling power is the beast, that’s to say the least, another 2000 years of flesh and blood in your feast.” And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This was one of the first three songs recorded with Tuff Lion, a revered musician and close friend. It was he who invited the band to Virginia to “run some sessions.” Additional tracks included, “Utter Wrong,” featuring Lion on keys, and “Silence,” featuring I-rt Quake Yazid. Yet much has happened since then.
I sat down to speak with front man, Arif Anwar, in the Winter of 2003, and we talked extensively about their music. “Our aim is to produce music that is both good to listen to and spiritually enlightening as well,” he said. “This is one of the reasons why we play original music - we want to give something new with remnants of familiarity in the sound. They call it ‘Reggae,’ we say ‘Roots,’ it’s all Music.”
Album due 2004. To be continued…
-D. Lang
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