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The "roots" of RDB is in a mixture of Ska, Reggae, Hip Hop, and R&B. The result is a hodge-podge of sound that is undeniably groovalicious. Combine a dynamic stage show and a tangible confidence in their music, and they seem to have what it takes to bust them outta
There is no single thing that stands out about RDB, there are several things. Individually, they are some of the most talented musicians around at their respective instruments. As a unit, they create a vibe and energy that feels real, spontaneous, and fresh.
RDB's live show setlist combines originals and covers. Whether painting a version of "All Along the Watchtower" with ska-rock strokes, or revving up a reggae standard with their trademark energy, RDB handles cover tunes the right way - they make it their own. They inject them with surprising twists, leaving the listener eager to find out what's around the next curve. On this night, they paid proper homage to one of their more obvious influences, Bob Marley, whose 60th birthday passed this weekend.
RDB's original music combines their varied influences and can swing from the frantic energy of ska to the softer reflections of R&B. Like much Reggae and classic R&B, RDB preaches peace and equality. As noble as that is, it's when RDB turn their focus inward, on emotion -- that's when they, and especially frontman Dan Allen, shine. Allen stretches and alternates between their various styles of music with ease, but his smooth, affective tone lends itself to the more emotional side of the music. He displays the versatility of a well-trained vocalist - ranging from the perfect pitch and clarity of a high school musical crooner, to the guttural roar of a hard rock screamer. In the context of RDB's original style, however, his inflections definitely reflect the influence of, and the love for, the roots of reggae and ska.
Guitarist Brandon Eardley capably volleys between their various styles of music with ease, channeling an experience that seems well beyond his years, and yet never losing the youthful energy that drives all the members of the band. On stage he is a dynamo, ripping it up with a grit and playfulness that makes you wonder if he knows how good he is.
Perma-grinning bass player Aaron Small tends to lean on the funky side, lending a danceability to the music that is definitely not lost on the audience. He sets the pace for the band, playing the right note at the right time (perhaps the highest compliment a bass player can be paid).
Pat Golarz's drumming is generally in the pocket and fairly non-intrusive, letting the music breathe sufficiently. But he can pour gasoline on the fire when it is called for, and his cymbal work can loosen things up when appropriate, thus lending a jazzy element to the mix.
RDB have their roots firmly planted in the styles that influence their sound. Down below, there appears to be a love for playing live that drives them. The combination of those roots, and that desire down below, might just have them sitting on a winning lottery ticket.
- SOUTH SHORE MUSE.com
Discography
From a Seed, 2006
Photos
Bio
In a musical landscape populated with rock, hip-hop, reggae, funk, ska, and R&B artists, what territory can a band claim for its own? Faced with all these possibilities, Roots Down Below, four energetic musicians from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, have chosen to build their own blend of music from the ground up. Inspired by artists such as Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, Sublime, 311, Jimi Hendrix, and Bad Brains, the group has created a polished mix that incorporates high energy guitar, melodic bass, fluent drums, and soulful vocals.
With over 200 shows under their belt, over 60, 000 hits to their website, 100,000 song plays, and 24,000 MySpace friends, Roots Down Below has cultivated a following of loyal fans who respond to their message of positivity and their energetic showmanship. In March 2006, the group released their debut album, From a Seed, mixed and mastered by industry professional Ronnie Champagne, who has worked with artists such as Jane’s Addiction, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine, and Alice in Chains. The album features 14 original tunes, ranging from the hard-driving, civil rights anthem “My Domain “ to the evocative, hip-hop style “Hard Way” to the sentimental crowd-favorite “Friends.”
Roots Down Below has opened for national acts including Long Beach Short Bus, the Streetdogs, Yellow Man, Maxi Priest, Sage Francis, Zox, State Radio, Monty, Naughty by Nature, Mikey Dread, and reggae legend Yami Bolo. The group has played such prestigious venues as the Cape Cod Melody Tent, Boston’s Avalon, Middle East Club, and Paradise Lounge, Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel in Providence, RI, the Worchester Paladium, Burlington, VT’s Higher Ground, and New York City’s Knitting Factory, Lion’s Den, and B.B. King Club.
Roots Down Below ranked in the top 14 U.S. bands in the 2005 Emergenza International Music Festival. They are a national member of the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA).
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