White Boy Reggae Done Right

[rating:7.5/10]

Let me preface my assessment of Si Senorita’s High Times, Hangovers, and Harmonies by saying that if I was on a deserted island for the rest of my life with one album it would be Sublime’s 40 oz. to Freedom and that Sublime is arguably my favorite band of all-time. Thus, my standards for reggae influenced rock are pretty high, so it’s in no way an insult to say that I believe that this album sounds like Sublime with a less talented singer.

I don’t think the vocals are bad, in fact I would assert quite the contrary. Mike Garrity, the lead vocalist and one of two guitarists, has a great voice… but Brad Nowell (RIP) had the voice of an angel and a ridiculous vocal range. Mike isn’t quite an angel and doesn’t display nearly as much range, but has a great voice for their brand of white boy reggae. He hits all the notes, isn’t often flat, and has a more than decent range. It’d be fair to compare his vocal style to any number of Skunk Records vocalists not named Nowell.

To compliment the more than worthy vocal stylings, the music is nothing short of solid. There is a simplicity about most of the melodies that comes across as seemingly effortless… not effortless in a bad but, rather, in a great way, the way that sounds just right, the way that take no effort by the listener, the way that just makes you want to float away into a sea of Mexican beer and summery cocktails. These effortless melodies are melded with a tight rhythm section.

My favorite tune is “Country Rasta” about the legend of a gee-tar pickin’ cat living on the creek in backwoods PA inhabited by the musical soul of Bob Marley or, perhaps, Jimmy Cliff. My only gripe about the song is that it should be longer, as it ends abruptly and it leaves me wanting more… although perhaps that’s part of it’s genius.

Overall, Si Senorita is still young and growing into their potential, but the talent and drive is there. They know their sound and their reggae, jam rock, and country influences are all evident. Great music that will make you transport you to a warm Summer day where you crack open a beer and sit poolside lazing the day away… SoCal stylee hits Eastern Pennsylvania in the form of Si Senorita’s first full length release, do yourself a favor and get a copy. I guarantee this is one CD that doesn’t fall out of my rotation anytime soon.

Advertisement

~ by thepaintedman on October 2, 2008.