Rebelution Featured In Jamrock Magazine

Is Reggae Colorblind?
Posted : June 30, 2009, 3:21 pm


Just like the country of its origin, Reggae music is graced with diverse tones. From Roots to Dub, to tracks with Nyabhingi drums that praise and nourish, the beats spread a message of unity. And although many of the genre’s most widely recognized artists hail from Jamaica and are blessed with a darker complexion, contemporary musicians venture into thick of it, disregarding stereotypes.

Artists such Matisyahu and bands like Iration and Rebelution are either completely immersed in Reggae music and Rasta culture or simply wade in its sentiments and sounds – none of them have dreadlocks, their skin is milky white, and some have never even set foot in any of Caribbean islands. So where do they pull their flavor from? Let’s face it. Reggae music doesn’t tend to form natural boundaries, for these talented individuals – no boundaries were crossed in order to reach their distinct sound. They’ve been influenced and impacted in one way or another and the end result is real music, no classification needed.

Rebelution, a California-based band consisting of four young musicians (Eric Rachmany, Marley D. Williams, Rory Carey, and Wesley Finley) is one specific example of a group that fuses genres with a distinct reggae flavor. Laid-back, yet often socially conscious lyrics tastefully set off their beat-heavy tracks that epitomize the sentiment of dub. Truly a hybrid when it comes to genre, Rebelution encompasses the qualities of an essential summertime soundtrack. The message, rhythm, and soul of their songs graciously compliment any Bob Marley, Black Uhuru, or Collie Buddz track you might already have on your iPod.

Eric Rachmany, the lead vocalist of the band, told Jamrockmagazine.com that one of his proudest professional moments has been sharing the stage with Black Uhuru at a concert once, claiming them as one of the main reasons he got into Reggae to begin with. “The way [Reggae] works is…it’s simplistic. People can relate to it, they can dance to it and they can feel it,” he says.

Their debut album, Courage to Grow, which was released back in 2007, exploded on the indie scene and then crept up commercially. We think it’s because singles like “Ordinary Girl”, “On My Mind”, and the environmentally and politically conscious “Green to Black” appeal to the masses – from loyal Reggae fiend readers here at Jamrock, all the way to Emo-rock-loving suburban teenagers. Feeling adventurous? Delve into some live music – check out tour dates on their site, rebelutionmusic.com, and look out for their sophomore album, “Bright Side of Life”, set to drop on August 4th.

R.P.