Music Review: Keith “Roughhouse” Powell – “Where Do We Go From Here”
In a musical landscape often saturated with noise, Keith “Roughhouse” Powell emerges with a track that feels less like a song and more like a whispered conversation with the soul.
Known for his versatility across reggae and rock genres—both as a solo artist and lead singer of the rising band Rhaatid—Powell takes an unexpected detour with “Where Do We Go From Here”, diving into an acoustic folk alternative that defies his established musical persona.
The single’s journey is as intriguing as its sound. Recorded and mixed at The Mperium in Germany and masterfully refined at Islandrock Studios in Jamaica, the track bears the hallmarks of a truly international collaboration. Co-produced by the eclectic Lloyd “Reggaeology” Laing, the song embodies a unique cross-continental musical dialogue that transcends traditional geographical boundaries.
What makes this track remarkable is its restraint. In an era of musical excess, Powell chooses minimalism—each note, each word carefully considered. The result is a song that doesn’t just play in the background but invites active listening, reflection, and perhaps a moment of collective pause.
The folk alternative approach reveals a different side of Powell—one that suggests depth beyond his established musical identities. It’s as if he’s stepping back from performance to have a genuine conversation, using music as his language of connection.
Sonically, the track walks a delicate line between melancholy and hope. It acknowledges our current global complexities without succumbing to despair, offering instead a sense of shared contemplation. The acoustic arrangement allows Powell’s vocal nuances to shine, each intonation carrying subtle emotional gradients.
For fans who know Powell primarily through his high-energy reggae work with Rhaatid or his solo projects, Roughhouse “Where Do We Go From Here” might come as a surprising departure. But it’s a departure that speaks volumes about his artistic range and emotional intelligence.
The collaborative magic with Lloyd “Reggaeology” Laing is evident in every layer of the track. The production, split between German precision and Jamaican soul, creates a unique sonic landscape that feels both familiar and entirely new.
Set for full release on December 27th, 2024, the single is currently available on Bandcamp and Juno Download. It’s less a track to be consumed and more an experience to be absorbed—a musical meditation for uncertain times.
In a world constantly seeking loud declarations, Roughouse offers something far more powerful: a quiet, thoughtful question. And in asking “Where Do We Go From Here?”, he might just be pointing us toward something profound.
★★★★½ (4.5/5 stars)
