“See, we can still sit in a distant haze and watch rain clouds pour thoughts of greatness and help our troubles sail far away/Well, it’s a struggle — everyday we’re stressing, but what’s a life without dedication?/I’m trying to pick up the soul’s intention to soak in music relaxation.” — from “Feeling Alright.” The visual and emotional picture painted by the preceding words aptly describes the Rebelution experience. The Santa Barbara-based reggae quartet is on a mission to spread positivity, unity and awareness to any and all who will listen, and, lately, it seems as if the number of interested parties may never stop growing.
Originally formed in 2004, the group consists of vocalist/guitarist Eric Rachmany, keyboardist Rory Carey, drummer Wesley Finley, and bassist Marley D. Williams (who hand selected each member and formed the group). It was their mutual attendance of music classes at college in Santa Barbara that initially brought them together, and it was in this environment that the seeds of their successful future were planted. While residing in nearby Isla Vista (where the majority of the college population lives), the group began to build serious momentum through consistent gigging and the release of a self-titled EP. Before they knew it, they were one of the biggest draws in the area — and not just in the reggae genre. “It definitely went to the next level when we, literally, had thousands of people watching us perform in Isla Vista on Friday nights,” explained Rachmany. The band’s upbeat, highly danceable grooves were charting a direct course for bigger and better things. It was with the release of their first full-length album in June of ‘07, Courage To Grow, that the group’s major breakthrough would be made. Not only did the record garner mass downloads and radio play on monster stations like San Diego’s 91X, Los Angeles’ KROQ and San Francisco’s Live 105 (where they are now in full rotation), but it was also selected as iTunes Editor’s Choice for Best Reggae Album of 2007.
For those in the know, it’s not too hard to imagine, because Courage To Grow is an excellent album complete with crafty melodies, socially conscious lyrics and savvy musicianship. Whereas other SoCal reggae-infused groups such as Sublime and the Long Beach Dub All-Stars tend to be rock- or punk-based, Rebelution sticks much more strongly to a vintage “roots” reggae sound. The album’s “single” and third track, “Safe and Sound,” wastes no time setting a worry-free mood with its kicked-back vibe and catchy refrain: “When we come down, we’ll be dreaming safe and sound.” But as far as serious messages go, few tracks hit harder than “R Way” — a seven-minute opus of political dissatisfaction where Rachmany speaks of our deceased forefathers, and what they must be thinking as they look down from above onto our lie-riddled society. Few bands can walk the middle road between politics and parties, and even fewer as well as Rebelution. Perhaps that’s what makes the live show experience such a great one for their fans. Not only can they dance the night away, but they can also leave with a little food for thought — and it’s not presented to them in a hopeless depressing way. The music is optimistic, inspiring and engaging, leaving you with the sense that we do have the power to make this world a better place, and we have to do it together. As Rachmany explains, “I think everybody who really feels our music also feels like they are part of a community, and that is something really special to us.”
As an indie band, Rebelution's critical accomplishments are impressive and hold ground most major artists would covet. Along with the iTunes award for Best Reggae Album of 2007, their debut album Courage To Grow has been in the top 10 iTunes Reggae Album sales since its release in June of 2007 and now stands at second most downloaded. In the Billboard Reggae charts it is currently fourth.
Stand out performances of 2008 include the Ragga Muffins Tribute to Bob Marley Festival, Reggae Rising, Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, Michael Franti's "Power to The Peaceful" Festival in Golden Gate Park, The Santa Barbara Bowl with Pennywise and The Offspring, as well as a headlining slot at the Honda US Open of Surfing presented by O'Neill.
You can currently catch Rebelution on their Fall tour — a 23-state expedition across the nation with The Expendables and OPM.
