Tribal Seeds – Representing
Track Listing:
1.) Representing (feat. Vaughn Benjamin of Midnite)
2.) Rock the Night (feat Maad T-Ray)
3.) Fill It Up (feat Gonzo & New Kingston)
4.) In Your Area (feat Kyle McDonald of Slightly Stoopid)
5.) Moonlight
6.) Ruined
7.) Blood Clot (feat Don Carlos)
8.) Undercover Lover (feat Gonzo)
9.) Night & Day
10.) Herb Stock (feat Mykal Rose)
11.) Don’t Wait
12.) Lonely Night
The Pier Album Rating:
Release Date: May 13th, 2014
Official Website: Tribal Seeds Website
Artist/Group Background:
From San Diego, California, award-winning reggae group Tribal Seeds have become known for their spiritually driven, refreshing rock vibe they have infused with the roots style of reggae music. Originally started by two brothers, Steven Rene Jacobo (lyrics, vocals, guitar) and Tony-Ray Jacobo (producer, keyboards, vocals), Tribal Seeds now boats six members, including: Carlos Verdugo (drums), Victor Navarro (bass), E.N Young (keyboards, vocals) & Ryan Gonzo (guitar, vocals).
Reggae Music has twisted and contorted for the last 25 years, taking many shapes while growing from a diverse spattering of influences, both good and bad. Nowhere else can this so prominently be seen as in Southern California, more specifically San Diego, home of roots rockers, Tribal Seeds. Tribal Seeds has steadily grown their fan base, support group, family and sound while headlining large concert tours with their dynamic stage show. Their appetite for innovation has lead them to toy with electronic elements, ska, dub, rock steady, lovers rock and roots pushing their sound further from mainstream but still appealing to a massive audience.
Album Review:
In their latest release, Representing, Tribal Seeds establishes a heavy roots sound paired with production values that drum up old tones from the studio one days. Album was produced by Maad T-Ray & Tribal Seeds (E.N Young recorded & mixed the album) and is a crucial element to the authenticity of this release, incorporating studio techniques and seldom used instruments (syn drum) to anchor Tribal Seeds sound.
Representing begins with the title track, which is a steady rolling roots rocker, boldly claiming their commitment to representing the teachings of Rastafari and the belief that modern society is teaching the wrong history in regards to the origins of civilization. This song includes a wicked verse by Vaughn Benjamin (Midnite).
“Rock the Night Away” is my favorite kind of Reggae; it’s the sound made popular by bands like Steel Pulse with the mixing of Rock n Roll and Reggae as well as the combination of Jamaican and British influences – Tribal Seeds nail it from the wailing organ to the guitar solo.
“Fill It Up” is more of a Lovers Rock number which will define many couples’ summer this year! Listen close and there is this really weird synth line under the skank, which adds a ton of color to the song.
We all knew there was a collaboration between Slightly Stoopid and Tribal Seeds coming and we got it by way of “In Your Area”. Kyle McDonald brings his signature flow to this track, chatting ‘Don’t give a shit for politics, new whips or fancy clothes New Adidas, Nikes, Fillas, and them hats and Kangol’s Only music in my soul.”
“Moonlight” is almost a love song to the solace of nature and calmness of spirit. “We’re jamming in the moonlight, Hear the sound waves by the seaside” seems like such a simple line, but the paradox it reveals in the context of the song is brilliant.
There really is not much to say about “Blood Clot” other than this song is probably the strongest on the record. The song is so damn good, from every tone on every instrument to the song writing to Don Carlos ripping a verse.
“Undercover Lover” feat. Gonzo and “Night and Day” are strong lovers rock tunes that lead into “Herb Stock” featuring the legendary Mykal Rose. You can hear the Black Uhuru influence in Tribal Seeds production, so this collaboration was right at home. “Don’t Wait” and “Lonley Night” solidly finish off this album.
Representing is a great album from start to finish, with literally nothing to point out with regards to a weakness. Of course I appreciate some songs more than others, but that is just a matter of taste and opinion. What is refreshing about this band is their depth, using their roots influences to push their original sound forward. The layers of talent from Steven’s distinct voice & lyrics, the studio production and keys of E.N Young, the soulful addition of Ryan Gonzo to the locked rhythm section of Carlos and Victor keep the Seeds steadily rocking forward as displayed in Representing.
Written & Reviewed By: Tommy Dubs (of A Sunny Place For Shady People)
[Editors Note: All reviews are reflective of the album in it’s entirety, from start to finish. These reviews are the honest opinion of each writer/reviewer, expressing their feedback as a genuine fan of the music. Each star rating reflects their review of the album, not the band. Music is subjective. Regardless of the review or star rating, we encourage you to listen to the music yourself & form your own opinion. Spread the awareness of all music in its art & contribution]