The Movement

Set Sail

Self Released

(The Movement MySpace)

There are not too many albums out there that when the first time you hear them you feel this incredibly raw energy that is just so immersed in honesty, that their lack of production values make the listener focus on the songs themselves and feel the true passion of the artist. What’s rare about these types of albums is you can’t set out to make one - they just happen. Records that come immediately to mind that capture this type of magic are Sublime’s 40oz to Freedom, Dirty Heads Dirty Demos, Unsound’s early recordings and The Movement’s On Your Feet.

So it was with a little apprehension I began listening to The Movement’s follow-up studio album, Set Sail, finally seeing the light of day released more than four years later from its amazing debut. I was especially nervous, since the band this time round has replaced DJ Riggle (Jon Ruff) who was the unique backbone of the band with live instrumentation Jay Schmidt (bass) and Gary Jackson (drums).

However... from the opening track Say Hello, The Movement founders vocalist/guitarists Josh Swain and Jordan Miller subside any doubts, it is a fun upbeat track that instantly reminds you the true brilliance of the band is Josh and Jordan’s verbal interplay. Taken under producer Chris D's wing (G Love, Stoopid & The Expendables), The Movement unleashes one joyous dance tune after another, such as the album’s title track with its bouncy keyboard leads; the wicked record scratching and vocal chants on Impressions and Alright; and you will need a refreshing cool glass of Cool-Aid after grinding your hips and bumping your head to this guaranteed to be live favorite.

Philly homeboy G Love makes a vocal and harmonica guest appearance on the acoustic Another Man’s Shoes, and is a nice addition of variety, but up to this point thanks to tracks like Ocho Rios and Sweet Summertime it’s a non-stop party.

In a lot of ways Set Sail feels like the album Slightly Stoopid would have made after Longest Barrel Ride, if it wasn’t having such line-up issues at the time. Following the cult of On Your Feet, Set Sail is as close to a perfect party reggae rock album you can find.

Reviewed by Pilipo

CLICK HERE to buy the album from the band's MySpace Page