CD Review: The Hip Abduction's Self-Titled Release

The Hip Abduction
The Hip Abduction
Single Fin Records

Formed in Florida and seasoned with the production credits of Easy Star Records' Michael Goldwasser, The Hip Abduction creates a groovy and reggae-infused concoction that is very catchy and memorable. The twelve tracks feature the musical talents of David New, Pat Klemawesch, Chris Powers, Matt Poynter, Paul Chlapowski, David Johnson, Kevin Clark, and Pat Hernly. The album contains your typical drums, keyboards, bass, guitars, sax, trumpet, and vocals. However, the real charm is in the rarer instruments not commonly associated with reggae albums, such as the kora, kamalengoni, kanjira, nyatiti, and kora. The vocal and instrumental catchiness starts right away with "Children Of The Sun" and "Live It Right," but "All Eyes," "Holiday," and "Walk Away." The instrumental, "La Resaca" and "Kalapani" combine a funky, reggae beat with African strings and experimental charm. While some tracks possess a reggae vibe, many other tracks contain a more rhythmic pop and world fusion presence. All in all, The Hip Abduction is hip and here to stay. ~ Matthew Forss 

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

CD Review: Easy Star All-Stars' 'Thrillah'

Easy Star All-Stars
Thrillah
Easy Star Records

The Jamaican-reggae and Afro-soul funk styles of music come to fruition on this exciting new work of songs reinvented from Michael Jackson's Thriller. The music is largely progressive, but the songs are recognizable overall. Producer, Michael Goldwasser, brings in a variety of musicians and vocalists, including JoWil, Ruff Scott, The Green, Mojo Morgan, Steel Pulse, Mikey General, Spragga Benz, Michael Rose, Luciano, Cas Haley, Kirsty Rock, and Christopher Martin. Some of the songs included are "Baby Be Mine," "Thriller," "Beat It," "Billie Jean," and "Wanne Be Startin' Somethin'." The contemporary music contains grooves that are R&B-tinged, but the reggae vein is more pronounced. This is sure to appeal to fans of Michael Jackson's Thriller with a knack for other genres of music, including jazz, reggae, hip hop, and dance. ~ Matthew Forss