Some of the faces may have changed among the band's members, but judging by the music and the message that comes across in Door Of No Return the soul and the spirit of the band haven't changed a bit. Directed by Michel Moreau, the documentary follows the band from a benefit concert for Amnesty International 1999 in Senegal to a subsequent tour of the United States, side trips in Africa, and a trip back to the streets of Birmingham where the band was formed. The documentary includes footage from both the concert in Senegal and their tour across the United States. Yet, just as interesting are the interviews with individual band members that sees them reflecting back on what the trip to Africa meant to them, and what it means to be part of a band like Steel Pulse.
For founding member David Hinds the band represents more than just a vehicle for playing music. In interviews with him during this film it becomes obvious that he feels he has an obligation to his audiences to be "uplifting;" informing them about African history - emotionally and intellectually, inspiring them to believe that a better world is possible, and singing about political issues that are important the world over. The chance to play a human rights concert in Africa, like the Amnesty International benefit in Senegal, was for him an opportunity for Steel Pulse to put their philosophy into action, and for the band to contribute to something larger than themselves.
It was interesting to listen to some of the younger members of the band describing how they see Steel Pulse as a multigenerational family. Back up vocalist Donna Sterling was the newest member of the band when the film was shot. She talked about how she was learning from the senior members of the band about the world and life, and that one day it would be her responsibility to pass that knowledge along to those who joined the band after her. It's in this manner that Steel Pulse has been able to maintain a continuity of intent that so many bands lose, and will ensure that future versions of the band will carry on what was started in 1975.
Musically the band remains the same interesting mix they've always been. They start with a solid Reggae core and add on top of that touches of Rhythm & Blues, Jazz, and Rap. Of course there's always been a strong Rap tradition in Reggae music with dance hall masters like Yellowman rhyming over music long before it became super popular in North America. Steel Pulse uses Rap as a break in their songs that allows them to step out and address the audience directly about an issue.
Article comments
1 - michel moreau
Hi Richard,
Im Michel Moreau the director of Door of no return with Steel Pulse. I just wrote your critic about the movie.I really appreciated the way you talk about. Thank you.