Street Pharmacy

Free Delivery

Self Released

(Street Pharmacy MySpace)

There must be something in the water for our Canadian friends up North, because this is the third excellent recent release that has crossed my desk this year. Firstly, there was the must-listen sophomore album from Redeye Empire (Diary of Everett Miley), next was the the laidback stylings of Jon & Roy (review to be posted soon) and now we have got the Street Pharmacy with its fantastic second album, Free Delivery.

For the most part the writing on Free Delivery is clearly heavily influenced by Sublime, as it follows a raw street reggae sound. Not that this is a bad thing cause the band does it very well, particularly on the album’s opening two tracks – Welcome to tha Street Pharamacy and Sober State of Fame. There is also no denying the infectious fun of the reggae rock influence on the sweet It’s Better That Way.

Yet, from time to time the band will wander off into more unfamiliar territory and that is where it actually reaps the greatest rewards. Crazy Gunner is an entertaining story supported by a just as interesting music accompaniment with some funk, reggae and pop switch ups. Then there is Degenerate, a minimal acoustic jam, remniscent of Beduoin Soundclash, which showcases singer Ryan Guay’s amazing vocals. And without a doubt the album highlight is the brilliant Broken Compass, that features the combination of subtle reggae grooves and a haunting melodic chorus.

It’s through this courageous experimentation that makes Street Pharmacy a band to watch and Free Delivery a more than worth-while purchase.

Reviewed by Pilipo