Album Review: Concrete Beach makes time stand still in “Give it Time”
Photo courtesy of Concrete Beach.
Concrete Beach immediately pull you into their new album, “Give it Time” with the catchy guitar riff and all around rocking song “Life is a Vibe”. Before hearing the album I had not previously had the chance to listen to the Fall River, Massachusetts-based but was immediately struck by Concrete Beach’s positive energy, impressive musicianship and quality songwriting.
The band transitions into the reggae rock jam, “Jimi the Skiff” a super mellow song that uniquely blends in the beautiful violin of band member, Nathan Mendonca and once again shows off the group’s jamming guitar. This one reminds me of an O.A.R. song but Concrete Beach has its own novel rock sound with a major reggae influence.
“Rich Man” is one of our favorite songs on the album. Once again the band’s unique ability to blend guitars and violin in reggae is so cool and we have never heard the violin used as well in the genre. The song shows off lead guitar and singer, Zachary Paul’s songwriting and rad voice. Paul’s voice shines throughout the album.
The band addresses the importance of enjoying life’s ride in the gorgeous song “Chakra”. The cohesion of the band’s guitar with Paul, bassist, Aaron Capone, and rhythm guitarists Jared Correia and Cassandra Borkman is brilliant. The track is a great example of this on display and Mendonca’s violin coming together with the the four guitars is out of this world epic!
“Reverse” shows off the band’s skill as rockers with a shredding guitar solo and a catchy vocal hook. We love the groovy drum pattern dropped by the band’s drummer, Brendon Borkman.
The song “Maybe SoHo” highlights the band’s storytelling skills and visual lyrics. The track discuses uncertainty and not necessarily knowing your path forward.
In “Growth” Concrete Beach drops an irie bass line and touches on change and being ok with new beginnings.
Life is an up and down journey full of change and emotion. Concrete Beach brilliantly shines a light on the importance of giving it time. Time to feel, time to heal and time to just have fun! The band uniquely blends genres (no easy task) and I applaud their creativity and spirit.
By CB.
