Anthem
Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States
Music
Press
Hello and welcome to "The Heavysounds," your weekly reggae review column. You might have noticed that many of my reviews are informational rather than emotional. Often, I'll describe the sound and presentation of a particular new release and let you decide if you want to buy it. However, this week I wear my heart on my sleeve when I say the Bridgeport, Connecticut-based Anthem band is everything that is good and worthwhile about music. Their new release, Are You Ready (Mack Avenue) combines polished precision and a positive attitude in their songwriting, musical execution, and production. A core component of Anthem is a family affair—Jamaican-born Courtney "Coozie" Mellers and his nephews Jermaine and Carey Mellers. The other band members are all of Jamaican descent which explains how this band sounds like they feel it when they play their accessible brand of music, always influenced by the sound of Jamaica. Nearly every band member sings on the album, and more than a few tracks feature duel lead vocals. Angelic harmonies perform throughout the album. Anthem delivers a variety of musical styles, and the band is capable with each, whether they be calypso flavored ("I'll Give You the World" and "One Slow Dance"), pop ("Love Slippin' Away"), a slow jam ("I Tried to Resist"), light reggae ("Everybody Needs Someone to Love" and "Your Money"), driving roots reggae ("Move On" and "I Have My Goals"), dancehall (Phil Collins cover "Another Day in Paradise" and the title track), or singles just waiting to be released to urban radio like "Gal a Worry" and "Your Money." My favorite tracks include "The Call," a slow pop song with lyrics of spiritual conviction, and "I Have My Goals." The latter is the perfect song for reggae fans that haven't yet had the pleasure of being exposed to Anthem. It's an anthem in every sense of the word, both lyrically and musically. I encourage any self-contained reggae band to look to Anthem as a beacon because this group leads the way for accessible music for the masses. For more information on the band, check out their web site, www.anthemband.com or the record label, - Jamaica Gleaner Extra
by Craig Gilbert - February 19, 2004
Its reggae-ish-like. No clubby dancehall here but a fusion of the laid-back, not-too-slow, dubbish ragga riddims (I Have My Goals, Move On) and a reggae/island pop meld (Gal A Worry, Ill Give You The World) that brings Ziggy Marley-ifn-he-had-some-soul to my mind. Some straight R&B tossed in (I Tried To Resist and the quicker Love Slippin Away) works. Tight mix. The Call reminds me of a full band Redemption Song. This group has an overall honest, feel good, mon vibe in all their tunes. How much so? They cover the Phil Collins dirge (Another Day In) Paradise with a new peppy rhythm and make that mopey tune actually sound happy.
- The New Haven Advocate
Recently Manhattans S.O.B’s night club held a tribute to the great one himself, Dennis Brown. At the tribute many artists took center stage including Franky Paul but it was the first act of the night, a band called Anthem, that had the people talking long after club-goers were gone. The band brought the house down and people were literally screaming for them to continue when their turn on stage was over. The prediction, if this band should continue to do what it is already doing, it will become the next big reggae band to watch out for. Believe me, this band isn’t far away from the title. Anthem is that good.
- By Claudette Harrison The New Voice of NY,Inc
Discography
Serious - Self released 1998
Good to be there - Wackies Records 2003, Streaming and college radio airplay
Are you ready - Mack Avenue Records 2004, Streaming, college and commercial radio airplay
Everybody Needs Someone to love - CCRE International (Japan) May 2008
Photos
Bio
Come and vibe with Anthem the most harmonious sounds of the new millennium. The live shows compare and rank amongst the best in the business. A truly original sound that is creating a big wave throughout the USA, from roots to dance hall, Anthem can play it all and with their own diversity, it’s truly a treat for all music lovers. Among the artists with whom Anthem has played are Sister Carol, Third World, Yellow man, Jimmy Cliff, Big Mountain, The Wailers Band, Burning Spear, Black Uhuru, Judy Mowatt, The Neville Bros, The Isley Brothers, Maxi Priest, Buju Banton, Capleton, Chacadimus and Pliers, John Holt, Ken Booth, Dennis Brown, Super Cat and many more.
Anthem is led by its founder and talented songwriter, Courtney "Coozie" Mellers. Coozie has played Bass, Rhythm guitar, Piano and produced songs on albums for some of the founders of Reggae music such as Lee Scratch Perry, Sugar Minott, Horace Andy, Max Romeo to Name a few. Coozie has released his own solo recordings in the U.S. as well as Japan and Europe.
Jermaine Mellers (nephew of Coozie) joined the band to form the new youthful, charismatic Anthem and compliments their skills with his unique and savvy flair on bass. Jermaine is also a gifted singer, songwriter and plays keyboards and drums.
Carey Mellers (nephew of Coozie) brought his considerable talents on vocals, the guitar, bass and piano to Anthem upon leaving High School and has helped to write and produce many of Anthem's popular tunes. Carey was one of the semi finalists on MTV and Puff Daddy’s “Making of the Band” and has a song on the Showtime series “Soul food.” Also added recently was a song placed on “The young and the restless”.
Damion Martelliere is Anthems heartbeat playing the drums and adding to the over all harmonious sound. Damion has toured with such artists as Warrior King, Gyptian and backed Luciano, Barrington Levy, and many others.
Finally, Rob Ellington, who has been performing since the age of 11, won an amateur contest at the Apollo Theatre and toured with Blue Magic and others, completes the quintet as the band's lead singer. Rob is “Mr. Excitement”, full of energy and performing talent that makes an Anthem stage show a complete experience and not just another show.
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