Roots Of Creation

Reggae makes a very fine jumping off point for Roots of Creation, but once they are in the air there’s no telling where they’ll land. "Dubomb” aims for somewhere between ska and jazz, "Death March” is Sublime-styled dancehall, "Legalize and Tax It” is a potage of rap, rock and reggae, and "Proggae,” rather than a catchy theme for Pride Day, is pretty close to what can only be called "prog reggae.” Throughout the album, Roots of Creation have carefully carved a unique sound that brings together America’s love of guitar solos, five-minute space jams and patchouli with some very dread rhythms. In the process, this Boston-based band have struck upon what could be considered America’s contribution to reggae music (well, the Brits had lover’s rock and two-tone and Canada has… Snow): the Jam-reggae hybrid. There are other bands dipping a toe into this sort of thing but none that have been able to do it so convincingly and with such infectious results. Rise Up is never dull, and never implodes in on itself by trying to sound like something it’s not, i.e., Jamaican. A song like "Babylon,” for instance, is unique, featuring a late ’60s Studio One groove that morphs into a delicate jam that peaks in guitar echo washes. Delicious.