Album Review: Find your zen by listening to Iration’s “Backyard Sessions: Malibu Edition”
The band’s new live album, “Backyard Sessions: Malibu Edition” shows off Iration’s togetherness, incredible songwriting and brings new life into fan favorite songs.
I’ve been listening to Iration for years and it’s inspiring to follow the band’s continued rise and consistent ability to release reggae, rock and pop blended music that brings fans an amazing sense of zen and happiness.
Iration takes us a nostalgic trip in “Coastin’ - Live” and frontman Micah Pueschel shows off his silky smooth vocals and reggae guitar. I love the percussion of this track as it sets the album’s chill vibes.
Special bands bring all the feels and immediately transport you to your happy place. This is exactly how I feel when I listen to “Guava Lane - Live”. Iration truly blends island reggae and Cali reggae and acoustic instruments fit their laid back songs perfectly.
Photo courtesy of Iration.
The lively keys and horns get “Daylight Saving - Live” grooving. Pueschel’s vocals are unbelievable in this song and guitarist and vocalist Micah Brown compliments Pueschel so well!
Iration writes beautiful lyrics and I love the visual aspects of “Move Forward - Live” that remind us that we can push past times of pain and reach for happier days ahead. Adam Taylor drops a grooving bass line on this song like usual!
Speaking of zen, Iration’s “Zen Island - Live” is a breathtaking song, which immediately inspires a trip to the islands or wherever your special place of relaxation may be. The guitar work is on point as is the production across the album. Making a live performance sound this perfect is no easy task.
One of my favorite original Iration songs is “Time Bomb”. It’s the title track from the band’s classic 2010 album and I’m digging “Time Bomb - Live”. This song just gets better and better!
Brown leads vocals in “Home Tonight - Live”, which is a gorgeous song about coming back together with that special someone.
“Stay the Course - Live” is yet another example of why Iration is one of today’s most popular reggae rock bands. Pueschel has a unique ability to share his storytelling through lyrics and make listeners feel his emotions in fun songs that you cannot help but hum and sing along with.
Iration fit so many good vibes on this album! More fan favorites like “Smile - Live”, “Summer Nights - Live” and “Falling - Live” close out the album. We may be mid winter but Iration brought the heat and I’ll be turning up this album often!
By CB.
