The B Foundation

Trouble Standing

The Den Recorders

(The B Foundation MySpace)

There is no doubt that Trouble Standing was one of the most anticipated releases of 2006 and with the B Foundation starting to get some deserved attention by the likes of KROQ in the past month or so, now seems like a fitting time to reflect on the album.

The B Foundation’s debut album, In the Deep End, demonstrated the band had bucket-loads of potential and it was fantastic to see them take that next step and deliver it with Trouble Standing. The album’s appeal definitely lys in its diversity. Reggae, ska, punk, blues and dub all get a fair airing, never making for a dull moment.

To cover all these ambitious styles successfully you have to possess a strong playing ability. All the B Foundation members have developed their craft to a level which allows the music to explore these diverse territories with ease and accomplishment, such as on the rocking Bloo Bucket to the breezy Something New.

However, one of the finest elements of Trouble Standing is that while the album features strong instrumentation it is not at the expense of a catchy melody. It’s songs like Be Alright, Spliffed and Rincon that best demonstrate this great balance and give vocalist Pat Stevenson a chance to shine with some memorable vocal hooks. Yet songs like Your Eyes and Say it in Sin are the ones that enable Stevenson to sing with the most feeling.

Trouble Standing came out when it was most needed last year, reggae rock was starting to become a little stale and 2006 searched for at least one notable release. It was great to see the boys from the B Foundation didn’t let us down.

Reviewed by Pilipo

Trouble Standing can be purchased online here