Reviews
aurorawave take reggae rock to new heights in debut album
aurorawave have taken reggae rock to new heights in the band’s self-titled debut album. The California reggae rockers led by former Iya Terra frontman, Nathan Aurora are pioneering a new reggae rock meets heavy metal sound, and the end result is magical! Aurora is one of reggae rock’s hardest working artists and the sweat and tears of bringing this album to life were well worth the fight as it absolutely shreds!
Album Review: Revisit the emo years with Nathan Aurora’s Pop Punk Goes Reggae!
The well anticipated arrival of Pop Punk Goes Reggae will hit you right in the nostalgic feels. I’m sure not many reggae fans started off as reggae fans, especially if you can sing along with every song on this album.
Ballyhoo! is ready to fight for what’s theirs on Shellshock
Ballyhoo! is ready to fight for what’s theirs on Shellshock. What do The Elovaters, Kyle Smith, Iya Terra, HIRIE, Tropidelic and Bumpin Uglies have in common? If you guessed that they’ve all got a spot on Ballyhoo!’s fiery new album, Shellshock, you’re entirely correct.
Album Review: Michael Sky aims for the stars with debut album!
You may or may not have heard the name yet, but chances are if you’re into the American reggae genre of music, you will! Since mid-2021, Michael Sky has been busy recording and releasing track after track, gaining huge traction with reggae-lovers everywhere.
Album Review: “Chasing Constellations” by Joey Calderaio is one of 2022’s best reggae rock albums
Joey Calderaio and his rising band take us on a beautiful journey in the new album, “Chasing Constellations” released today. Calderaio, based in Jupiter, Florida, is a talented songwriter, vocalist and band leader, who has had a big year of growth. “Chasing Constellations” is one of 2022’s best reggae rock albums and highlights Calderio’s musicianship, poetic lyrics, and easy listening style of music.
Album Review: Nick Sefakis reflects on love, strength and growth in “Hear My Sound”
Iya Terra guitarist and vocalist, Nick Sefakis is one of the best guitarists in the reggae circuit today, and Sefakis’ passion as a reggae musician is always strongly felt at his live shows, and in recordings. Sefakis’ new solo album, “Hear My Sound” is a reflection of love, strength and growth and showcases the musician’s development as a songwriter and artist.
Album Review: The Irie flawlessly connect reggae, rock and pop taking us on a trip to “Planet Paradise”
We’ve been waiting for a good opportunity to say this. We are officially calling out all the radio stations around the world to give reggae another listen! There is so much amazing reggae coming out and we feel like the genre isn’t getting the attention it deserves. When you turn on The Irie’s fantastic new album, “Planet Paradise” you will be astonished by the amount of talent the Phoenix-based band brings to the table. The Irie take you on a fun trip into their world flawlessly connecting reggae, rock, and pop with a hint of hip hop influence.
Album Review: Fortunate Youth reminds us of the good to be found in every day with the amazing new LP, Good Times (Roll On)
As we approach the end of 2021, we look back on a deeply tumultuous two years. Anger, fear, and anxiety are on the rise in all individuals across the board; and along with these feelings, a cloud of negative thoughts and emotions has slowly been forming over our collective well-being. This is precisely why the world needs a band like Southern California's Fortunate Youth (FY). In this time of strife and uncertainty, FY has created an album reminding us to look on the bright side, enjoy the company of those we care about, and put our worries aside when the medicine for our injured soul is partying it up with friends and having a kick-ass night. Having a bad day? Throw on Fortunate Youth's new LP "Good Times (Roll On)" and see how you feel.
Album Review: Punk, Reggae, and DIY attitude, Kyle Smith’s debut album is far from a “Lost Cause”
Reggae and punk rock music have long been intertwined. Both cultures embody a DIY attitude and a rejection of social norms that divide and oppress, and though the exact expression of this rebel mentality and promotion of a more equal and inclusive community differ between the two, the common ethos they share has led to amazing music combining the genres for decades. For many reggae fans their initial introduction to the genre came through punk; whether it be from classic punkers like The Clash, third wave ska bands like Reel Big Fish and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, or current artists blending reggae and punk such as Slightly Stoopid. Such a musical journey is shared by this reviewer as well, with my personal introduction to reggae starting with the punk band NOFX, which led me to bands like Sublime and The Expendables, further leading to Rebelution, and from there the whole genre opened up before me. I am far from alone in this experience, one which I especially share with my fellow West Coast Americans.
The combination of punk and reggae is far from over, and there are amazing new artists continuing this legacy that you should be aware of.The combination of punk and reggae is far from over, and there are amazing new artists continuing this legacy that you should be aware of. Enter the great Kyle Smith and his debut full-length album "Lost Cause".