Moving Forward

Arise Roots seems to be La's hardest working Reggae band in the area and are getting good reviews. The album holds it own because of musicianship " Arise " is a great introduction to this album it has a slow grove build up like Bob Marley's " Natural Mystic" and once it does reach the top there is no looking back. " People are you ready" has all sorts of good qualities but, I'm always afraid of titles like that. I didn't want to hear another Reggae cliche but this track is really well done and doesn't fall in to that category . " United we stand " draws u in with its warm slow driving almost Zepplin like sound that becomes minnimualistic. Then it bounces in to a Steel pulse like intro and a smooth reggae grove with some jazzy keyboards near the end. The " Vibe " starts off with a great rocking intro and leads into a smooth Reggae track with a almost Eddie Van Halen inspired guitar solo. Among the stand outs on this album is " Never Gonna Give You Up" is a take on Alton Ellis's classic " Breaking Up". Both "We Are Watching You" and " Loving you " are filled with some great guitar rifts and bass work that sound like they were pulled out of the hands of the Ja's Soul Syndicate riddem kings.The slow movement of " We are watching you has a very Midnight feel that seems to be prevail a lot through this whole album. A interlude called "Uprooted " is a unique instrumental piano piece, even know its very short someone is going to use this at a wedding. I know that social conscious is a part of reggae history and usually when Reggae artist talk about trees they mean herb. Well ,not the case in "Chop Them Down" its all about saving the forest, its has some cool harmonies and well unique lyrics " The trees don't make no money,so ya chop them down" wayward tree huggers unite! Eastern Sunrise" is a short instrumental that would of fit perfectly on Matisyahu's first album which was a big hit. You can shuffle your feet to "Party Tonight" a great upbeat ska tune that really captures that era in Jamaica. The guitar work at its best on this one, has got that great picking sound that Jamaican guitar legend Earnest Ranglin was famous for. Something thats seems to be missing on this album is some dub, we get a lot of great musicianship and good harmonies leaving plenty of time to fire up the the old Roland Space Echo. This album is enjoyable and has a lot to offer, I just wish the singer was more dynamic.

Wicke Album!

AMAZING Album!!! Caught ARISE ROOTS live and loved them from the start! Their sound is classic roots, straight out of LA...fav traxx?...the lovey dovey "Never Gonna GIve You Up"...."Hit the Ground Running"...and the ska-licous "Party Tonight". Keep on Keepin On, Arise Roots!

No regrets with this album. Kind of reminds me of The Archives but better. Worth every penny. Best of luck to them, I look forward to more.

This is an amazing album. You can listen to the entire thing from start to finish without having to skip a track. Id say this album is one of the best of 2013 for sure. Standout tracks are "People Are You Ready" "United We Stand" "Mellow Mood" and "Hit the Ground Running".

Stumbled across the album on I tunes. Fantastic every song from start to finish. Bummed they only have the 1 album. Can't wait to see them live. Just an awesome album. Glad I'm in the LA area.

Every single track is amazing. I just heard of these guys and i swear i thought the lead singer was white until i watched their music video! The vocals are truly unbeatable for the genre...i HIGHLY recommend this masterpiece

STRONG messages, HARD beats, REAL roots, BIG ups to ARISE ROOTS

Been waiting for this for a long time! And now it's finally here! Had this album jamming all day since I got it. The best roots reggae band in LA! Hands down! You want reggae? You get reggae! From your biggest fans!

Great new cd dude keep it up!!! Your buddy Frank.