CD Review: Passafire's 'Vines'

Passafire
Vines
Easy Star

The Savannah, Georgia-based quartet, Passafire, presents a new album with surf-rock and reggae-tinged songs with chart-topping qualities and catchy characteristics. Passafire is Ted Bowne on guitar/vocals, Will Kubley on bass/vocals, Mike DeGuzman on keys/guitar, and Nick Kubley on drums. The up-beat songs are rock, pop, and reggae-based without any clear genre distinctions. The vocals take on a little reggae influences, but there is some dance, electronica, rock, and pop concoctions that help the music move in different ways. There are some extended instrumentals that are especially engaging and diverse. In addition, there seems to be a fluid transition between rock, folk, and reggae throughout. Just when you think you've put your finger on the specific genre in question, they surprise us with something seemingly indefinable. At any rate, Passafire is on fire with this catchy release. ~ Matthew Forss