Vibe Express

Ramblings from your local avid rager...

[vibeexpress]

Midnight Raid "Oakland Loves You" Release Party @ Neck Of The Woods Part 1

Midnight Raid rages onward full throttle with that Funky Groovy Reggae sound. This Oakland based band is a melting pot of different influences and cultures which makes up their flavorful music. Prior to their album release party at Neck of The Woods I have had the pleasure of watching them in action at different shows, so I was anxious to see how their “Oakland Loves You” album release party would turn out and well it turned out to be a pretty radtastical night! 

Benjamin as lead vocalist delivers both a conscious message and a distinct groove  backed by an incredible band of musicians. Midnight Raid is a team- with Lenny’s infectious guitar solos, Josh laying it down on the sax, to John bumping it clean on the bass its evident that each band member is a driving force blended together to create a stellar sound. Also, with V killing it on the keys and Justin keeping it steady on the drums Midnight Raid proves to be a collective effort grooving in unison. The beginning riff to “I Dont Need Your Love” still echoes in my mind even days after the concert which goes to show that Midnight Raid doesn’t just offer great live performances but great songs. “New Jim Crow” another favorite of mine off of their “Oakland Loves You” album is a special treat to experience live with an engaged crowd. Its not hard to get lost to Midnight Raid when they are in the zone. These guys carry a groove like no other and should be commended for exposing such talents. 

Before driving away from such an epic show I slipped “Oakland Loves You” in my CD player and rode the riddim home. Its a great feeling to leave a show with not just a memory of a great night but a souvenir that embodies Midnight Raid’s hard work.

Big ups to Midnight Raid as they journey towards success! Thanks for the vibes, its always a pleasure hanging with you guys!

www.midnightraidmusic.com

-Your Avid Rager

Photocred: Stage Media - James LeDeau

[vibeexpress]

Synrgy @ Ashkanez Part 2

  Vibing all the way from Humbolt County is a band equipped with a sensational sound pleasing audiences everywhere. Synrgy brings a different type of energy with their Soulful Reggae music. Yes, Soul & Reggae may be a simple concoction that Synrgy has managed to blend, but its side-affects are nothing short of the ordinary, its sublime.

Brian’s soulful voice accompanied by the union of passionate musicians make up the serene sounds of Synrgy. From the beginning of their set to the end I was on my feet swaying and engaged by their performance. By the time they performed “Summertime” I was already bobbing my head, lightly pumping my fist with my drink in one hand, eyes closed and a smile on my face. Theres a sense of tranquility that their presence brings as they navigate through the groove and perform their songs. “Embrace The Change” brought in steady rocker vibes with its heavy bassline and riffs. Meanwhile, Toots and The Maytals were brought to mind as they performed their island driven tune “Cast Those Stones” - a song that provided a dancey atmosphere woven with a deep message about love & forgiveness which is something that I’ve always appreciated about Reggae music and a quality that Synrgy exemplifies in their music. 

Synrgy provides wholesome music you can dance to, a message that you can glean from, and a passion that you can appreciate. Though Ahskanez may have not been crowded that night, I felt the presence of great music and thats the essence of what makes a great show. Everytime I see a musician bob their head it gives me life. When I hear a singer belt words of life it goes straight to my heart and when the bassline drops I can’t help but nice up the dance. I’m compelled to ramble about these happenings, because its bands like Synrgy that deserve continuing recognition and support so they can continue to fulfill their purpose in spreading good vibes. Be sure to buy their music, stay updated, visit their website, and go to a show near you!

www.synrgyband.com

  -Your Avid Rager

[vibeexpress]

Irie Fuse @ Ashkanez Part 1

Hailing from Marin County is Irie Fuse, a band that is definitely a force to be reckon with in the Northern Roots scene. Walking into Ashkanez I was immediately drawn to the dancefloor as Irie Fuse provided the energy and vibes that my spirit instantly connected with. Its evident that Irie Fuse embodies their name by their natural ability to create a euphoric environment through the fusion of dubrock, psychadelic jams, and rocksteady persuasion. The sensational affect that Reggae has on its audiences proves that it is music that contains healing attributes, and its these healing attributes that I believe Irie Fuse imparts on their audiences.

Joe on lead vocals has a stage presence like no other and sings with a groove that is unmatchable. The fieriness that Joe presents in his performances is what adds to the ambience of the band's live show. Meanwhile, watching Ryan lightly pound the keys with a sublime look on his face was uplifting as the whole band bobbed their heads to the music in unison. Its clear that this is a group of guys that aren’t just performing to impress, they are fully engaged in the groove and its that attitude that becomes contagious. Besides the infectious groove though is a conscious message, with songs like “I On The Prize” and “Revive” off of their Sun Is Rising Ep - unveiling man’s pusuit of purpose and vision; Irie Fuse’s music is not shallow but full of substance and delivered in a way that is not preachy but simple, uplifting, and blissful. 

What was also gratifying is seeing Irie Fuse groove on the dance floor front and center to Synrgy who graced the stage after their set. I can't help but admire that kind of integrity that could only emerge from a love for music that isn't only displayed on stage but off stage in honor of those who share in the same passion. This made me glad that despite having had a long day, I had made the spontaneous decision to show up in Berkley on a Thursday night to appreciate and acknowledge those in the music community that are thriving in spirit for the great cause of spreading positive vibrations.

Had a long week? Tired? Shook up? Take a moment to be irie and go to an Irie Fuse show. You won't regret it.

Also, be on the lookout for their up and coming full length album "Give And Get Back" which you can pre-order on their website:

www.iriefusemusic.com

-Your Avid Rager

[vibeexpress]

Sol Seed at George's "The Luck of The Irie" Part 2

Talk about putting it on the map- Eugene, Oregan will forever be engraved in my mind as the home of the amazing band- Sol Seed. To say that this sensational group of fellas are talented is an understatement. As excited as I was to go to Georges to see Sol Seed perform live for my first time, I was not at all prepared despite how many youtube videos of their concerts I watched beforehand. That is because this group of guys have mastered their own unique ability to give an experience and not just a live performance. With elements of Rock, Reggae, Hip Hop, Funk, Ambient Jams, and even hints of Latin Jazz intertwined with uplifting lyrics and delivered with such gusto; Sol Seed has created a recipe for a groove that sets them apart from the rest of the crowd. 

Through out the night as Sol Seed shifted from song to song, there was a strong sense of nostalgia for me as I swayed to the motion of their musicality. Sol Seed isn’t just a band that plays music, they are a band that takes you on a journey. Their performance of “Ego Balloon” was reminiscent of my childhood days over hearing my older brother blast Pharcyde from his bedroom, a slice of conscious hip hop you just don’t hear nowadays. With Michael who plays guitar and Sky on the Digderidoo-expressing smooth lyrical depth in their flows, it was an incredible sight to witness hip hop fused in a way I’ve never seen a band do before. How could I forget, their cover of No Diggity was definitely a crowd pleaser as they got funky with it, but lets not linger there too long. Sol Seed encompasses rich tones of Reggae and Rocksteady vibes in their sound with a message that encourages and uplifts the listener. Their song “Roach in the Water” with its upbeat ska tempo matched by their enthusiasm had me instantly skanking and two stepping in no time. Benny, the bass player offers his sublime vocals on “Mista Mista” and with Michael on the drums dropping his verse on “Watersprout” its evident that these aren't just musicians but singers working together like a choir to elevate the harmonious ambience they have on their audiences. It takes chemistry, dedication, talent, and passion to be able to operate in the way Sol Seed funcitons and I’m grateful that I was able to observe such a rarity for myself. These are professionals, they know what they are doing, and they enjoy doing it, and its that kind of ethic that I applaud and admire.

Sliding in and out of different types of grooves with such grace seems to be Sol Seed’s niche. I must say, the Northwest has caught the luck of the irie because they sure are lucky to have Sol Seed. The fluidity of their set which combined so many different elements was not forceful, neither was it confusing, but man was it enticing and simply priceless. You can’t put a price tag on the performance that I was able to experience, and walking away from Georges I couldn’t help but think, “Wow, I got to see them for free.”

www.soulseedmusic.com

-Your Avid Rager

#VibeExpress

[vibeexpress]

Skunk Funk at George's "The Luck Of The Irie" part 1

Raging from San Vallejo County is a sound waiting to erupt audiences everywhere. What the (West Coast) Reggae Rock scene lacks is what Skunk Funk delivers; they are the missing piece to the magnificent vibetastical puzzle (yes I made up that word). Their stage presence is explosive, their sound distinct, and their musical style is colorfully filled with hints of what could only be assorted by an eclectic taste for funk, hard rock, hip hop, ska, reggae, and punk; music that has made the West Coast a force to be reckon with in the music world...music that can only be expressed in run-on sentences. Okay I'll stop before I digress.

Upon experiencing Skunk Funk live at Georges I was reminded of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Sublime, No Doubt, Fishbone, and many others but fused into one entity of greatness. One can’t help but think that nothing but awesomeness can be birthed from such influences, and that is the case for Skunk Funk. 

Skunk Funk’s musical presentation is indeed refreshing and all types of lively. With each song is a different personality much like a movie with different characters and a plot there is a sense of suspense that Skunk Funk brings to their performances which will have audiences guessing. From their nitty gritty funk filled song “Muthafunkah” to their upbeat ska tune “Congo Line” and their melodic sweet jam “Tell Me What It Takes” Skunk Funk brings something that everyone can enjoy. Bobo who sings lead vocals and plays bass carries the band with his baritone tenor voice while Max lead guitarist and drummer Nick chime in with their harmonies from time to time adding flavor to the vocal arrangements of their songs. Meanwhile, Cuban B on the congos delivers his own flows to add to the mix which brings another layer to their driven sound. From what I saw Skunk Funk proved to be a unit and with each band member is a unique craftsmanship molded together to form something worth watching. Not to mention, the integrity that it takes for bands to completely pour their heart out on stage is not something to be taken lightly. These musicians care, and you can tell by the way they play their instruments and sing their hearts out. 

With the advances of technology and social media and the rise of many different bands and talented individuals, it can be tough to distinguish a diamond in the rough amongst the many who are shining and experiencing widespread success. However, the beauty of a diamond in the rough is that at first glance it is ordinary, but until it is refined and polished only then can its true glory be revealed. I believe this to be true for Skunk Funk who are now in that process of being refined and polished before entering a season of fully functioning in their musical destinies.

They say that the best things in life are free, and well I believe that some of the very best shows in life are free and in our very own backyard. I urge you to take the time and enjoy the bands and talent that is around your neck of the woods. You might just get the luck of the irie and discover a thriving talented community & I’m sure you will be inspired by the passion that drives them to keep it alive. 

So what are you waiting for?! Get the funk out there! And vibe along!

https://www.facebook.com/skunkfunkmusic

http://www.reverbnation.com/skunkfunk707

-Your avid rager

#VibeExpress