High Tide

Play Me Reggae

Brothers Cup Production

(High Tide MySpace)

You know what makes a great reggae rock album? F-U-N! San Diego’s High Tide understands this and has delivered a debut album that perfectly captures the carefree SoCal lifestyle. Coming in at an impressive 74 minutes, Play Me Reggae guarantees the listener maximum bang for their buck.

Forming in 2003 gives High Tide a four history, enabling the five-piece to develop a solid collection of tunes, ensuring the album is light on filler material. Building on the success of the band’s acoustic EP, Not For Profit, Ed Barrena (vocalist/guitarist) confidently leads his band-mates through a fuller-sounding and more accomplished effort, opening with the immediate Tide Don’t Stop.

For this album, it was a wise move making optimum use of trumpet player, Bob Rissolo. Not only does he help High Tide find its own sound, but his talents greatly assist High Tide with creating smile-inducing bubbly reggae grooves like on Irie Melody, the memorable On a Roll and the hazee flavor of Bammoth. Also welcomed here is a Bammoth Remix with guest MC’s NoNeedz and Daddy Scotty (Chapter 11) sharing the mic.

It does come as a little surprising that High Tide is close to being most effective on the more haunting reggae strolls, like Million Miles and On The Go. As these songs allow breathing room for combining sweet trumpet and vocal melodies that are highlighted by a bouncy percussion.

If you are looking for an album to accompany your next beach bonfire get together, look no further than Play Me Reggae. Spend that extra time now gathering more wood, friends and booze.

Reviewed by Pilipo