MDV
Who are MDV?
No lazy assumptions are to be made when… Read Full Bio ↴MDV
Who are MDV?
No lazy assumptions are to be made when describing the music of MDV. The qualities gracing this conscious London based reggae band has granted them the favour of always having kept their art relevant to modern times whilst still preserving an original sound. MDV's musical expression is a promise of love and light to those demanding refreshing change and for those who miss that feel-good rush when faced with the fortunate onslaught of good, real reggae music.
MDV's unique music is tight and powerful with the riding rootsy backdrops that support unusual and interesting arrangements, often coupled with a profoundly emotive lyrical bias. Their strengths also lie in creating beautiful, almost mystical atmospheric tunes, some very dark and provocative, others more upbeat yet equally contemplative. The feeling tones captured by the music can take you places whereby, one moment you can feel as if you are travelling through some Saharan desert storm – next, you're in a smoky urban underground club, pulsing next to the speaker with the vibration of the dub bass line beating in place of your heart.
With universal human experience as a core thread running throughout their music- from moving songs about everyday life and honest messages of love, to the urgency of change in relation to the times we live in, MDV have never compromised on their natural musical flair being uppermost in importance to their style of delivering good tunes. It is uncommon these days to be able to claim an original identity but after hearing MDV one might probably agree that it's a right if earned by anyone, is earned by this band. __AMF 68
Femi
Operations code name: Ranx
Specialist: Killer Bass / stealth assassin
Seyi
Operations code name: Stix
Specialist: Drumming / explosives
Hamzah
Operations code name: G86
Specialist : Rydim code-breaker / dub specialist
Floyde:
Operations code name: ?
Specialist : Lyrical firearms / Striker
Hands of Time
'This is a proper reggae tune that you don't hear again. The arrangements and atmosphere is dark and gloomy fitting the timely lyrical content brilliantly - something which is usually hard to do. This is a roots tune very unlike the new Digital Roots Year 3000 style, which tends to sound samey. However, MDV's Hands of Time harks back to the days of Shaka, Fatman and Coxsone.'
_The Matador__
Hands of Time
“A tight gnawing package of a song and a riveting forecast to what this band is offering. This is a bubbling and insistent tune with a steady and dreamlike wakefulness. The continuous guitar dampening and lead throughout, gives the tune a unique quality which is confirming and responsive to the dialogue of the masterful lyrics. The smooth backing vocals, touch of bass piano and subtle strings bring beauty and elegance to what could otherwise be heard as essentially a politically relevant and therefore, potentially a, 'not so pretty' message. As the track builds towards its climax, there is an intensity and almost aggressive nuance. The tight drum rolls lend to an exciting and dramatic culmination. This is a satisfying listening and skanking experience from a band with impeccable musical ability.’
_AMF68
MDV
Reggae music for the 21st century, with a London sound.
One Style – one LOVE, one style of music - reggae
M.D.V. Many Different Variations - To emphasise and demonstrate the different styles of reggae and beyond within the bands repertoire.
History
Formally know as ONE STYLE MDV, MDV are a reggae band that have been together for over 20 years friends and through several transformations. They made their name on the live circuit in the 80’s and 90’s with fresh sounds and concepts within the world of reggae. Beginning their journey within the local community scene in the London boroughs of Hackney and Islington, the band soon started to build up a regular underground following and a reputation for their professionalism and reliability. One Style’s gigs ranged from charities / community events, the pub circuit and clubs. As the bands sound improved through maturity, they were soon in further demand from larger events across London with organisations such as the Notting Hill Carnival, Anti Racism festivals, Anti Apartheid etc and had massive critical success on the alternative circuit around greater London.
MDV have always maintained their aim to play live music which is what they have enjoyed the most. Their unconventional simple line up of bass, guitar and drum has surprised audiences due to their overall sound, the dynamics they create and the movement within their music which has always set them apart from the rest. They have always been described as ‘Tight’ which is their trademark.
The bands objective has always been to ensure that their lyrics had meaning which are uplifting or encourages the listener to think about themselves and the world we live in to compliment the music. This added strength to the music is what has connected them to diverse communities and audiences they represent. Incorporated with their individual personal influences that range from classic reggae, roots and culture, soul, blues, jazz, ska, rock, Hip Hop etc, its difficult to pigeon hole the band or put them in a single category although they have been compared to Steel Pulse, Sly and Robbie, The Wailers, Burning Spear and even The Police.
Artists
One Style MDV have been blessed by being in a position to share the stage with a number of artists and gained respect from their contemparies for what they had to offer the world of reggae. They’ve played with the legend Burning Spear as well as Gregory Isaacs, Aswad, Maxi Priest, Misty in Roots, Winston Reedy and The Mad Professor. Of course being on the alternative scene, the band has shared the stage with bands from the world of rock such as the Asian Dub Foundation, Super Furry Animals, The LA’s, Yr Anhrefn, The Blaggers, The Levellers and Back To The Planet.
An important influence for the band was when they played with Joe Strummer of The Clash extensively during a 24 date Rock Against The Rich tour of Great Britain where they built up a lasting friendship and mutual admiration. Joe Strummer requested One Style MDV to be his support band throughout his own tour the following year as he believed in the bands message and energy.
The natural progression has been for One Style MDV to travel and again they’ve been blessed by being able to express themselves to lovers of reggae in Spain, Belgium, France, Germany and Ireland. The band played to great success at every venue and the most rewarding aspect was the response from people after the shows to sit down and ‘reason’ due to the overall vibes created on the night. This has also been another solid trademark of the band who recognise that communication is the key.
New Direction – Sweet Reggae Music
M.D.V. in its new format will inevitably continue to produce reggae that will stretch the perception of those who presume ‘they know’. The band has always used its own original material and have only scratched the surface in terms of what they can offer. Their ‘live’ sets are what has established them as a force to be reckoned with as audiences benefit from hearing a different rendition of their material. The recording format is simply another place to experiment and the future is bright.
Always making new friends and connections, MDV’s commitment and dedication has inspired younger artists and musicians to maintain their dreams and take the industry more seriously. MDV have been working in collaboration with a number of local artists and it was for this reason why it felt more appropriate for the name to change as the vibes and numbers grew stronger although the core of the band remains the same. The example would be with Korus who are a three piece vocal group from Hackney who write their own songs but have combined forces with MDV to execute a modern soulful reggae sound on ‘Keep It Real’.
Roots Allsorts is an experimental Dub album of sounds and vibes that reflect our urban experience. MDV will return in the near future with a full length album of new songs and arrangements that will again push the boundaries of Reggae.
Discography
Jump For Joy / His Majesty: Promotional single Boot Records
International Struggle: Crai Records 029
Everything is for a time
Feelings
Your Love
Jump For Joy
Open Road
Teef In the Night
His Majesty
Right To Say: Crai Records 034
Right 2 Say (Part 1)
Lend A Hand
System
Sardines in a Can
Praise His Name
Spiritual Bow
Crossroads
Bad Boy Company
Gunrunner
Love Along The Dub
Sweet Reggae Music
Conciasous Yout’
Right 2 Say (Part 2)
MDV - Style one TMPQ 001 - 2004
__"We were quite surprised by the amazing quality of recent independent releases namely.. MDV. (UK) with "Style One"" - Claat.com, Germany
"Unique reggae sound" - Reggae Vibes, The Netherlands
"Their lyrics consist of themes like streetlife, capitalism and the current world situation which are perfectly timed to the slow and heavy rhythms" - Armageddon Times, Switzerland
"MDV don't resemble any other English reggae band, which is a rare quality these days" - Reggae Connection, Belgium
"A group to discover and follow" - JahSound.net, France
"Engaging enough to draw a considerable following" - Reggae Reviews, USA.
"This is excellent music that makes you want to sit up and listen" - Blackechoes, Republic of Ireland
"Very dark.." - Dubflash Germany
"This is so good it deserves wider appreciation" - Gargamel Magazine, UK.
Don’t You Care
Wake Up
Keep It Real
No Fear
Down Ism Capital
Who R You?
So Good
MDV "Roots Allsorts"
"A well crafted stylish cd with stunning breaks and beat , the music is exciting but at the same time is subtle, intricate compositions and arrangements intermingled with great orchestration and voice make this release a stand alone contender as the best release of the Dub/Reggae/Global Dance style that we have received here at PBS for the past year". Peter Merritt, music manager PBS FM.
The Best Reggae We've Received in a Long Time. Fabulous Dub Rhythms and Smooth Conscious Vocals make this entire CD a Classic. "Dangerous Times - both" truly deserve 12" issue. RE Ausetkmt Program Director BadGalsRadio.com
I like the whole album. It's modern and fresh. And it is possibly the best roots reggae album of this century (so far). Is there a need to say more? I don't think so. Only: Support this group, buy their album when it's out and "Keep It Real"". Dubflash
"High Style 21st century reggae from London's MDV - from roots rhythms to drum & bass, smart electro arrangements, great vocals and conscious lyricism - essential listening..." www.etherbeat.com
tracklist
1. Change Their Ways
2. Beautiful Day
3. Dangerous Times Pt.1
4. Screwface
5. The Heat Is On
6. Riff
7. Keep It Real
8. Dangerous Times Pt.2
9. Wake Up
10. Death Bells' Toll
11. Saturday/Sunday
12. Nagasaki Dub
13. Down Ism Capital
Who are MDV?
No lazy assumptions are to be made when… Read Full Bio ↴MDV
Who are MDV?
No lazy assumptions are to be made when describing the music of MDV. The qualities gracing this conscious London based reggae band has granted them the favour of always having kept their art relevant to modern times whilst still preserving an original sound. MDV's musical expression is a promise of love and light to those demanding refreshing change and for those who miss that feel-good rush when faced with the fortunate onslaught of good, real reggae music.
MDV's unique music is tight and powerful with the riding rootsy backdrops that support unusual and interesting arrangements, often coupled with a profoundly emotive lyrical bias. Their strengths also lie in creating beautiful, almost mystical atmospheric tunes, some very dark and provocative, others more upbeat yet equally contemplative. The feeling tones captured by the music can take you places whereby, one moment you can feel as if you are travelling through some Saharan desert storm – next, you're in a smoky urban underground club, pulsing next to the speaker with the vibration of the dub bass line beating in place of your heart.
With universal human experience as a core thread running throughout their music- from moving songs about everyday life and honest messages of love, to the urgency of change in relation to the times we live in, MDV have never compromised on their natural musical flair being uppermost in importance to their style of delivering good tunes. It is uncommon these days to be able to claim an original identity but after hearing MDV one might probably agree that it's a right if earned by anyone, is earned by this band. __AMF 68
Femi
Operations code name: Ranx
Specialist: Killer Bass / stealth assassin
Seyi
Operations code name: Stix
Specialist: Drumming / explosives
Hamzah
Operations code name: G86
Specialist : Rydim code-breaker / dub specialist
Floyde:
Operations code name: ?
Specialist : Lyrical firearms / Striker
Hands of Time
'This is a proper reggae tune that you don't hear again. The arrangements and atmosphere is dark and gloomy fitting the timely lyrical content brilliantly - something which is usually hard to do. This is a roots tune very unlike the new Digital Roots Year 3000 style, which tends to sound samey. However, MDV's Hands of Time harks back to the days of Shaka, Fatman and Coxsone.'
_The Matador__
Hands of Time
“A tight gnawing package of a song and a riveting forecast to what this band is offering. This is a bubbling and insistent tune with a steady and dreamlike wakefulness. The continuous guitar dampening and lead throughout, gives the tune a unique quality which is confirming and responsive to the dialogue of the masterful lyrics. The smooth backing vocals, touch of bass piano and subtle strings bring beauty and elegance to what could otherwise be heard as essentially a politically relevant and therefore, potentially a, 'not so pretty' message. As the track builds towards its climax, there is an intensity and almost aggressive nuance. The tight drum rolls lend to an exciting and dramatic culmination. This is a satisfying listening and skanking experience from a band with impeccable musical ability.’
_AMF68
MDV
Reggae music for the 21st century, with a London sound.
One Style – one LOVE, one style of music - reggae
M.D.V. Many Different Variations - To emphasise and demonstrate the different styles of reggae and beyond within the bands repertoire.
History
Formally know as ONE STYLE MDV, MDV are a reggae band that have been together for over 20 years friends and through several transformations. They made their name on the live circuit in the 80’s and 90’s with fresh sounds and concepts within the world of reggae. Beginning their journey within the local community scene in the London boroughs of Hackney and Islington, the band soon started to build up a regular underground following and a reputation for their professionalism and reliability. One Style’s gigs ranged from charities / community events, the pub circuit and clubs. As the bands sound improved through maturity, they were soon in further demand from larger events across London with organisations such as the Notting Hill Carnival, Anti Racism festivals, Anti Apartheid etc and had massive critical success on the alternative circuit around greater London.
MDV have always maintained their aim to play live music which is what they have enjoyed the most. Their unconventional simple line up of bass, guitar and drum has surprised audiences due to their overall sound, the dynamics they create and the movement within their music which has always set them apart from the rest. They have always been described as ‘Tight’ which is their trademark.
The bands objective has always been to ensure that their lyrics had meaning which are uplifting or encourages the listener to think about themselves and the world we live in to compliment the music. This added strength to the music is what has connected them to diverse communities and audiences they represent. Incorporated with their individual personal influences that range from classic reggae, roots and culture, soul, blues, jazz, ska, rock, Hip Hop etc, its difficult to pigeon hole the band or put them in a single category although they have been compared to Steel Pulse, Sly and Robbie, The Wailers, Burning Spear and even The Police.
Artists
One Style MDV have been blessed by being in a position to share the stage with a number of artists and gained respect from their contemparies for what they had to offer the world of reggae. They’ve played with the legend Burning Spear as well as Gregory Isaacs, Aswad, Maxi Priest, Misty in Roots, Winston Reedy and The Mad Professor. Of course being on the alternative scene, the band has shared the stage with bands from the world of rock such as the Asian Dub Foundation, Super Furry Animals, The LA’s, Yr Anhrefn, The Blaggers, The Levellers and Back To The Planet.
An important influence for the band was when they played with Joe Strummer of The Clash extensively during a 24 date Rock Against The Rich tour of Great Britain where they built up a lasting friendship and mutual admiration. Joe Strummer requested One Style MDV to be his support band throughout his own tour the following year as he believed in the bands message and energy.
The natural progression has been for One Style MDV to travel and again they’ve been blessed by being able to express themselves to lovers of reggae in Spain, Belgium, France, Germany and Ireland. The band played to great success at every venue and the most rewarding aspect was the response from people after the shows to sit down and ‘reason’ due to the overall vibes created on the night. This has also been another solid trademark of the band who recognise that communication is the key.
New Direction – Sweet Reggae Music
M.D.V. in its new format will inevitably continue to produce reggae that will stretch the perception of those who presume ‘they know’. The band has always used its own original material and have only scratched the surface in terms of what they can offer. Their ‘live’ sets are what has established them as a force to be reckoned with as audiences benefit from hearing a different rendition of their material. The recording format is simply another place to experiment and the future is bright.
Always making new friends and connections, MDV’s commitment and dedication has inspired younger artists and musicians to maintain their dreams and take the industry more seriously. MDV have been working in collaboration with a number of local artists and it was for this reason why it felt more appropriate for the name to change as the vibes and numbers grew stronger although the core of the band remains the same. The example would be with Korus who are a three piece vocal group from Hackney who write their own songs but have combined forces with MDV to execute a modern soulful reggae sound on ‘Keep It Real’.
Roots Allsorts is an experimental Dub album of sounds and vibes that reflect our urban experience. MDV will return in the near future with a full length album of new songs and arrangements that will again push the boundaries of Reggae.
Discography
Jump For Joy / His Majesty: Promotional single Boot Records
International Struggle: Crai Records 029
Everything is for a time
Feelings
Your Love
Jump For Joy
Open Road
Teef In the Night
His Majesty
Right To Say: Crai Records 034
Right 2 Say (Part 1)
Lend A Hand
System
Sardines in a Can
Praise His Name
Spiritual Bow
Crossroads
Bad Boy Company
Gunrunner
Love Along The Dub
Sweet Reggae Music
Conciasous Yout’
Right 2 Say (Part 2)
MDV - Style one TMPQ 001 - 2004
__"We were quite surprised by the amazing quality of recent independent releases namely.. MDV. (UK) with "Style One"" - Claat.com, Germany
"Unique reggae sound" - Reggae Vibes, The Netherlands
"Their lyrics consist of themes like streetlife, capitalism and the current world situation which are perfectly timed to the slow and heavy rhythms" - Armageddon Times, Switzerland
"MDV don't resemble any other English reggae band, which is a rare quality these days" - Reggae Connection, Belgium
"A group to discover and follow" - JahSound.net, France
"Engaging enough to draw a considerable following" - Reggae Reviews, USA.
"This is excellent music that makes you want to sit up and listen" - Blackechoes, Republic of Ireland
"Very dark.." - Dubflash Germany
"This is so good it deserves wider appreciation" - Gargamel Magazine, UK.
Don’t You Care
Wake Up
Keep It Real
No Fear
Down Ism Capital
Who R You?
So Good
MDV "Roots Allsorts"
"A well crafted stylish cd with stunning breaks and beat , the music is exciting but at the same time is subtle, intricate compositions and arrangements intermingled with great orchestration and voice make this release a stand alone contender as the best release of the Dub/Reggae/Global Dance style that we have received here at PBS for the past year". Peter Merritt, music manager PBS FM.
The Best Reggae We've Received in a Long Time. Fabulous Dub Rhythms and Smooth Conscious Vocals make this entire CD a Classic. "Dangerous Times - both" truly deserve 12" issue. RE Ausetkmt Program Director BadGalsRadio.com
I like the whole album. It's modern and fresh. And it is possibly the best roots reggae album of this century (so far). Is there a need to say more? I don't think so. Only: Support this group, buy their album when it's out and "Keep It Real"". Dubflash
"High Style 21st century reggae from London's MDV - from roots rhythms to drum & bass, smart electro arrangements, great vocals and conscious lyricism - essential listening..." www.etherbeat.com
tracklist
1. Change Their Ways
2. Beautiful Day
3. Dangerous Times Pt.1
4. Screwface
5. The Heat Is On
6. Riff
7. Keep It Real
8. Dangerous Times Pt.2
9. Wake Up
10. Death Bells' Toll
11. Saturday/Sunday
12. Nagasaki Dub
13. Down Ism Capital
Rebel
One Style M.D.V. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They say I won't make it to the top of the hill
Won't take the fruit of a tree
And everybody says I'm out for the kill
They're all laughing at me
They're all laughing at me
I'm a rebel, rebel - don't you just know it
I'm a rebel, rebel
And they're all laughing at me
They say I'm a danger to the public and all
I only wish they would see
I'm just a product of a screwed-up world, but they're all...
They're all laughing at me
But they're all laughing at me
I'm a rebel, rebel - don't you just know it
I'm a rebel, rebel - don't you just know it
I'm a rebel, rebel
But they're all laughing at me
Never ever wash my old blue jeans
And brush the smile off my face
But still I'm a member of the...
Human race, human race, human race, human race
I'm a rebel, rebel - don't you just know it
I'm a rebel, rebel - don't you just know it
I'm a rebel, rebel - don't you just know it
I'm a rebel, rebel
And they're all laughing at me
I'm a rebel
Won't take the fruit of a tree
And everybody says I'm out for the kill
They're all laughing at me
They're all laughing at me
I'm a rebel, rebel - don't you just know it
And they're all laughing at me
They say I'm a danger to the public and all
I only wish they would see
I'm just a product of a screwed-up world, but they're all...
They're all laughing at me
But they're all laughing at me
I'm a rebel, rebel - don't you just know it
I'm a rebel, rebel - don't you just know it
I'm a rebel, rebel
But they're all laughing at me
Never ever wash my old blue jeans
And brush the smile off my face
But still I'm a member of the...
Human race, human race, human race, human race
I'm a rebel, rebel - don't you just know it
I'm a rebel, rebel - don't you just know it
I'm a rebel, rebel - don't you just know it
I'm a rebel, rebel
And they're all laughing at me
I'm a rebel
The song Rebel by One Style M.D.V. explores the theme of being a rebel and how the world perceives it. The song commences with the lyrics "They say I won't make it to the top of the hill, won't take the fruit of a tree, and everybody says I'm out for the kill". The phrase "top of the hill" symbolizes the success that the singer is striving for, and the fruit of the tree represents the reward or achievement for that success. The singer is facing criticism and disbelief from others and is being viewed as a threat. However, the singer identifies himself/herself as a rebel, and doesn't comply with societal expectations, thereby being more aligned towards the message "I'm a rebel, rebel, don't you just know it".
The singer further goes on to comment on how the public perceives him/her as a danger, but wishes they could see that s/he is merely a product of a broken system. The phrase 'they're all laughing at me' is repeated, and this reinforces the idea of the singer feeling ridiculed, criticized and misjudged by society. The song concludes with the line "never ever wash my old blue jeans, and I won't brush the smile off my face, but still, I'm a member of the human race", implying that the singer will be true to himself/herself and not let the world change them in any way, shape or form. The message of the song is to embrace one's uniqueness and not succumb to societal pressure.
Line by Line Meaning
They say I won't make it to the top of the hill
According to them, I won't succeed in life
Won't take the fruit of a tree
I won't accept easy things in life
And everybody says I'm out for the kill
They believe I have malicious intentions
They're all laughing at me
They are mocking me
I'm a rebel, rebel - don't you just know it
I am a nonconformist and proud of it
They say I'm a danger to the public and all
They consider me a threat to society
I only wish they would see
I hope they can understand me
I'm just a product of a screwed-up world, but they're all...
The environment around me has conditioned me, but they don't see it
But they're all laughing at me
Still, they are making fun of me
Never ever wash my old blue jeans
I refuse to get rid of my old ways
And brush the smile off my face
I won't change my cheerful demeanor
But still I'm a member of the...
Despite my nonconformity, I am a part of society
Human race, human race, human race, human race
I am a human being, just like everyone else
I'm a rebel, rebel - don't you just know it
Once again, I am a proud nonconformist
And they're all laughing at me
My uniqueness is still a source of mockery for them
I'm a rebel
At the end of the day, I am who I am
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: George Alexander
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Ribbitmefoot
Remember seeing these boys in Dublin back in the late 80's early 90's. Full a vibes. Respect Still !!! Large up !!!
Junie Joseph
Just stumbled on this on Youtube Hey OneStyle MDV nice to see your all still working. One Love x
Bev Reknaw
my favourite one style track. viva la dole house
ward de jaegher
Rebelsssss