Fear Nuttin Band

Yardcore

Bodog Music

(Fear Nuttin Band MySpace)

Fear Nuttin Band are the second US East Coast reggae influenced band to release an album titled, Yardcore. The first being from the Born Jamericans and just as that Washington duo, the FNB also come with a dynamic two MC attack - Roosta and Prowla. However, that’s where the similarities begin and end, as while Born Jamerican’s fused reggae and hip hop, FNB follows in the footsteps of POD, Insolence, Bredrin Daddys and Skindred with its hardcore/reggae blend.

Produced by metal master Terry Date (Pantera and Fishbone), Yardcore is a heavy rock beast that chugs at a crawl at times and at others rocks with a blazing intensity. It’s these more upbeat moments where FNB has the greatest success and its reggae and rock is at its most cohesive. Such as on the punk infused Vibes, the bright sounding Fears and the gigantic grooves of Rule the World.

Popular track Pon Di Block gets a complete make-over from its first appearance on the band’s debut album, From Outta Nowhere. What was originally a smooth hip hop track is now a more radio bound ballad, which while startling at first does show some welcome musically growth.

While not as creative as Skindred or as fun loving as the Bredrin Daddys, the Fear Nuttin Band has crafted an album that will satisfy both your head-banging and relaxing irie needs.

Reviewed by Pilipo