Album Review: “Forward, Always” by One Culture helps us take on the new day with a smile
Photo courtesy of One Culture.
One Culture is an amazing Virginia Beach band bringing together the best of reggae, rock and dub. The band’s new album “Forward, Always” is inspiring in so many ways and I especially love the band’s thoughtful lyrics that transcend emotions and their impressive guitar playing throughout the record.
“World to Change” featuring E.N Young is a song I’ve had on repeat many times this year. This song has such an inspiring and aware message about not settling and looking for ways to make change for the better of our communities. The song has an irie blend of reggae, rock and dub influences!
One Culture frequently collaborates with Mellodose and “Chameleon” is a great example of their quality production. I especially love the guitar and shredding guitar solo, the slapping bass line and Kurt Jansohn’s vocals. Once again you’ll hear the dub effects that help One Culture extend their songs in creative directions.
“Betrayed” kicks off with more impressive guitar. The song is about failed love and One Culture picks up the pace in this head banging reggae rock jam. The use of electric guitar in this song is so rad!
Sometimes pain brings a new outlook and healing. One Culture pushes away negativity and re-focuses in the amazing song “Holding On & Letting Go”. This track brings so many emotions and the band’s inner reflection is inspiring to hear as a listener.
The horns set the feel in “Wicked Need Love” a roots reggae track that hits hard and reminds us about the importance of prioritizing love. One Culture teams up with Mellodose and D’ Original Reverence and emphasizes the importance of not pointing blame on others but of working together to help each another. I especially love the groovy drumming on this irie track.
One Culture’s songwriting chops are strongly felt in “Find Some Truth” a song about staying positive and confident that your inner peace will come soon. Groove to the bass line and this song will surely bring you peace.
Give thanks to your family for raising you in the beautiful One Culture song “Raised to Be”. The chorus of the song especially brings so many positive vibes and the track’s horns are on point! I also love the message promoting self love and celebrating how far each of us has come.
Fellow East Coasters, Kings and Comrades team up with One Culture in the reggae rock love song “Search No More”. The track will help you push away fears and welcome love into your life!
One Culture majorly impressed me with this incredible album, which will bring the musical meditation you’ve been looking! From the calming lyrics, relaxing blend of reggae rock and dub, to Jansohn’s vocals, One Culture helps us take on the new day with a smile.
By CB.
