Music
Press
Rating: 5 Stars
By: Paul Hennig
One of the first things we noticed about "Bring Back Shaka" was it's on one of those black discs that look like a vinyl record, complete with "grooves" and all. Nice touch, guys. We also liked the cover art. Add to the thought that New Schol Dorpouts has former members of Freeflow Conspiracy, and we knew this album had to be cool before even listening to it. How could it not be cool? We gave the CD a spin and sure enough, it's cool. With elements of reggae and ska, it's easy to imagine a crowd drinking, dancing and having a good time. If you like artists like Sublime, definitely pick this one up. - Connections Magazine - Orlando
As far as reggae goes, many bands try to duplicate Bob Marley or Sublime and they tend to do a poor job at it. It either comes out sounding like a rip off with bad vocals and instrument players that can't stay in tune, or exactly the same. If a band sounds exactly like Sublime, why not pick up a Sublime album? You know it will sound better.
You guys take Marley and Sublime influences and make it your own. That's what really stands out about your band and makes me really enjoy your sound. The music is lyrically diverse between songs, which makes it harder for anyone to try to stereotype this band into singing about just one thing. Musically, I love the trombone and turntables in the songs. They fit intot he music really well and bring that Sublime sound to the band. The drumbeats make me want to get up and dance. The bass undertones are a little hear sometimes. I would love to hear more bass in your songs. The vocals are strong. I would suggest adding a couple more breakdowns and solos in your songs. In the ones I do hear, they sound really good. Usually, I tell a band which song is my favorite. In this case, I can't decide. All you songs are good and have the potential to be singles. I fell like you are on the verge so keep at it. - 2006 Atlantis Music Conference Listening Committee
Discography
"Bring Back Shaka" - Independent - Released 2006 (see Photos for album cover)
Track Listing:
Bring Back Shaka
Tragic Dub
Ras DJ
Revelation
United
Divided Dub
Old Friend
Witness
One More Time
Highway 101
Monster Hole
Dangerous
Prodigy
Suddenly Smilin
Indian
Tragic Dub (emprov remix)
Photos
Bio
The New School Dropouts infuse reggae overtones with a new-rock movement searching for deeper, head-bouncing bass grooves and soulful, conscious lyricism. Wailing, in-your-face trombone licks add a standout dimension to their sound, and flares of light hip-hop showcase the New School Dropouts' ability to break out of the rock-genre barrier. Fans of Sublime appreciate the New School Dropouts' rock-steady and dancehall rhythms. Their harmonious lyrical exchange and chomping guitar distortion are compared to the likes of 311, and the New School Dropouts' seamless transition to roots reggae draws inspiration from many reggae legends such as Bob Marley.
Formed in 2003, this "rock-a-dub" crew from Florida's east coast sparks with high energy and good vibes in the midst of their laidback, beachside lifestyle. When hurricanes destroyed 3 member's houses in 2004, the New School Dropouts never put down their instruments. Their music provided an escape from the reality of loss and fueled their drive to rock more house parties and venues throughout Florida. In 2005, they received airplay on Orlando's rock station 105.9FM and were named O-Rock's Band of the Week. In 2006, the New School Dropouts won bids to play at the Atlantis Music Fest Showcase in Atlanta and the Florida Music Festival in Orlando. Later that year, Eastern Surf Magazine selected their album Bring Back Shaka as the "Pick of the Month", and their growing popularity in Florida was solidified when the song "Tragic Dub" was added to Orlando's 101.1FM WJRR's nightly rotation. Additionally, the New School Dropouts provide a stamp of professionalism as rock-reggae artists having performed with reggae legends Damian Marley, Third World, Toots and the Maytals, UB40 and Inner Circle.
The New School Dropouts' debut album Bring Back Shaka was released in 2006 and features 16 original tracks. The word "shaka", a Hawaiian term often used by surfers, means "everything's cool". Armed with an energetic live show, Bring Back Shaka should prove to be a powerful weapon as the New School Dropouts mobilize and prepare to bring their music to the people…so tune in and dropout!
Links
