Andru Branch & Halfway Tree

“…the music they deliver is undoubtedly a continuum of the same spirit of the muse that moved Bob Marley, Burning Spear, Culture and others of the foundation reggae mould…Andru’s ability to evoke a primordial spirit that links him with the roots element of his music, makes you sit up and take notice of his laid back, sensi-inspired riddims…someone whose respect and affinity for the best in reggae are propelling him into the limelight of a growing circle of fans…” - Uprising International

Moving farther north into Canada (Halifax, Nova Scotia, to be exact) we come across The Only Constant (self-released, 2007) by Andru Branch. The promotional materials for this CD display in large letters a sentiment that's also one of the song titles: "Bring Back Real Reggae Music." Recording in both Canada and Jamaica, Branch makes good on that directive. He's got Jamaican vets like bassist Chris Meredith, drummer Squiddly Cole and former Wailers percussionist Seeco Patterson on board, but the home grown side of his artistry is strong also. This is indeed real reggae music, helmed by Branch on keyboards and vocals and rich with pulsating riddims, wise and witty lyrics, touches of dub and ska and a prevailing easy feel. How can you go wrong with songs that range in theme from "Unite" to "People Can Be So Stupid" ? An excellent work through and through. - Tom Orr - World Music Central, March, 2008

When he’s not backing up artists such as Vybz Kartel and Sean Paul on percussion, Andru Branch is leading his band, Halfway Tree, in some of the rootsiest bottom heavy music ever to come out of the Great White North. The Only Constant, Branch’s second outing, is nothing less than stunning. Recorded in Kingston with Ziggy Marley’s rhythm section, it brims with the kind of reggae minted before dancehall came in to “run tings.” This is sure to win him fans from the nostalgic crowd worldwide, who will shout a “forward” to the album’s centrepiece: “Bring Back Real Reggae Music” (I wonder what Vybz Kartel thinks of that?). Branch’s understated singing sweetens the sound and leaves plenty of room for top ranking instrumental goodness, such as the thundering bass line on “Ease off the Pressure.” Unique flavours, such as a droning sitar on “Running into a Corner,” the country swagger on “Get Over You” and fusions with hi-life on “Mdamfu” only serve to add depth to the record’s scope. With The Only Constant, Andru Branch will quickly find himself on his way to becoming one of Canada’s top reggae artists. (Independent)
- Exclaim! Magazine, April 2008

“You can hear it when he sings and read it in his lyrics, songs of peace and unity in the spirit of the late Bob Marley…Halfway Tree sings the kind of songs that are missing in today’s mass market…” - The Town Crier, Toronto

“One of the most outstanding performances at last month’s renewal of Reggae Sunsplash came from a young Canadian out of the Kingston Muzik camp…Performing on the dancehall night stage to resounding applause it was obvious that Branch was well received by the audience… Branch’s music is nothing like the new crossover/hip hop style of reggae. It sounds more like the Marley inspired tunes all the world has come to know and love…’Reggae is more than just music to me. It’s a banner for world peace and inter-racial unity, so I am proud to fly that red-gold-and-green banner—it means a lot to me that I can only say with my music’…” - The Sunday Herald, Kingston, JA

“One of the best reggae artists in the country…Branch has obviously mastered the sound.” - The Coast, Halifax