The Bristol Reggae Explosion is back with a third volume. Whilst still happily exploring what was happening in the city during the 1980s, they’ve bent the rules and included a lone track from 1979. If anything, this third volume is their strongest so far, an amazing achievement when you consider that 11 of the 15 tracks are previously unreleased. The LP is only 8 tracks but comes with a digital download of the album.

By popular demand, “Bristol Reggae Explosion Volume 3 – The 1980s Part II” has a strong leaning towards the roots side of reggae. The album opens with Revelation Rockers “Jah Praises”, recorded in 1979. Revelation Rockers changed their name to Talisman and as such they feature twice more with the unreleased (Cave mix) of “Takin’ The Strain” and “Lick & Run” taken from their debut album “Takin’ The Strain”, Bunny Marrett returns for Volume 3 with an incredibly soulful and atmospheric performance of “I’m Free.” Joshua Moses. ‘Stick It Up’ is a live recording that gives you some idea just how good his shows were and is a taster from the album ‘Joshua to Jashwha – 30 Years In The Wilderness’. Maintaining the roots vibe are Zion Band, most of whom would go on to form Restriction but not before putting out a six track EP and “Babylon Fire/Babylon Dub” from that scarce vinyl release is included. Two more previously featured acts from Volume 2 are Alfred McIntosh, whose dubs were so well received last time, and Cool Runnings, with unreleased alternative versions of two songs taken from their forthcoming self-titled album on Bristol Archive Records. Although very well known locally, Popsy Curious gets his introduction to the worldwide reggae community with his “Chant Down Bobby Rome”. He makes a second contribution showing his lovers rock side, as one of the vocalists on Vibes’ “My Love”. The remaining artists Ron Green, Zapp Stereo, The Radicals and Dan Ratchet will be familiar to those who have the previous volumes.