Various Artists

Sense Boardwear IV - Diamonds in the Ruff

Sense Boardwear

(Sense Boardwear Music MySpace)

Let’s lay our cards on the table here. I have always thought that Sense Boardwear produces compilation albums that best capture the Southern California beach lifestyle and music.

So here are my two reasons why.

The guys have always had their finger on the pulse of up-and-coming talent. Sense Boardwear’s track record speaks for itself, previous bands featured include the B Foundation, The Expendables, Bargain Music, Dirty Heads and not to forget the reliable regulars like Long Beach sensations Chapter 11 and Bredrin Daddys. The second and the most significant reason why these compilations are always must purchases, is the tracks featured on them are in most times exclusive only to these albums.

As expected the news is all good here for its latest release, not only does Diamonds in the Ruff match the excellence of earlier compilations, but raises the bar higher again. This is the most solid line-up featured yet with Chapter 11, Bredrin Daddys, Ballyhoo!, NoNeedz, Fayuca, Starving Millionaires, Faded Chroniclez and more all blazing some new songs.

As with previous Sense Boardwear releases there are some sweet tracks, where individual artists collaborate on some tasty reggae and hip hop jams. One Love Community, One Day and the title track Diamonds in the Ruff feature the individual talents of members from Chapter 11, Bredrin Daddy’s, Faded Chroniclez and solo vocalists NoNeedz, Lulu and Big Nes, all bringing their ‘A’ game.

The production mostly managed by Paradigm Studios main man Justin Jones, is his best yet and he certainly brings out the most in all the bands, like with RAC and Fayuca from Arizona who have never sounded so good. Though one of the album’s many highlights, the rocking Ballyhoo! track Boner, features some nice additional production from 311 sticks man Chad Sexton.

In all honesty there is not one weak track present here and with rumors circulating that Sense Boardwear is going to start production on its 5th volume in September, if you haven’t already checked out these compilations Diamonds in the Ruff is the perfect starting place.

Reviewed by Pilipo