SHOK WAVE: NEW MUSIC RELEASES 3/9/20

Venice Beach Dub Club "VBDC"

This is a debut album from guys that sound like they have been playing music for quite some time. In fact, it's twelve original songs, six noteworthy featured artists and two dozen incredible musicians that make “VBDC” a stand-out first offering. Representing every style of Reggae from Dub through Dancehall and reggae/rock. The album is crafted to lead listeners on a musical journey. The album starts with a nice horn to a hard driving guitar lick with a good reggae skank in 'Smoke & Mirrors.' There's an even heavier rock guitar solo that makes way for the best part of the song. 'We have too much love, too much soul, too much faith and too much self control........feel real strong, yes we feel real blessed a love for jah like a ship on our chest. Wicked lyrics!!! An upbeat reggae bounce makes 'Pray For Peace, Prepare For War' feel good especially with that sweet trumpet. If you love the mix of reggae & rock than 'Hybrid Love' is for you. The pan/steel drum adds a nice sound not used much in reggae.I think my favorite track, as rastaman is the ska/uptempo Jah is 'The Ruler.' I'm glad to see Venice knows HIM. These guys have some great lyrics, take 'The Get Go.' Psychedelic keyboards start the song and when the lyrics come in ' you shoulda known from the get go that you dont get any love in the ghetto.' The hard strumming of an electric acoustic guitar common in rock & country starts the next song 'Many Moons.' This one is completely different from everything else on the album. Sounds good just be warned....it is not reggae. Now the trombone starts 'Speedway.' 'Roll with me, we be cruising nice and easy with the VBDC family, rolling down the Speedway, it feels so nice......getting love from people who dont even know me.' I think this will end up being their theme song. 'Jah' returns with echo-y picking guitar joined by the tight skank of a second guitar. Then there's that sweet trumpet again. Seth, the lead singer comes in with 'I'm not an addict baby and I got needs, I got a habit...Jah prescribe me the good sensi.' Brilliant ganja tune. On the lighter side there's 'Sunshowers,' at least until comes in with his rap. An acoustic reggae burner called 'Pass The Chalice' is just right at the beach around a bonfire. I love 'Ancestors.' It has that heavy, meditative reggae sound you might get from Midnite. This is a great and complete surprise. 'Thankful for your ancestors.' So this is now my favorite track. 'The music goes on forever. Jah inside you and I Jah love... I am so thankful. Lots of good surprises here. The female vocal is another change that's welcomed.

An album that took 2 years in the making and the end product does not fail with their clean and a bit different. Its one of those albums you could never say it all sounds the same.sound because they use so many instruments, different sounds, tempos and even keys to keep it moving and not boring. I think you might want to join this club while you can still get in.