Album Review: Turning obstacles into opportunity, Rebelution release stellar seventh studio album "In the Moment"

Photo courtesy of Rebelution. Photo credit: Yannick Reid

Music is in constant evolution. We're all well aware of the unique sound of music as it moves through the decades. Songs from the fifties have a distinct sound when compared to seventies music, as seventies music is quite different from the sound of the modern day. Through these changes the production of music has slowly evolved in conjunction, with the digital age bringing in a completely new era for the way in which artists, songwriters, producers, and audio engineers work together to create the music of today. Instead of having to record in the same room/studio on analog tape (where any edits made would require the literal cutting of the tape with a razor blade), musicians can now record in a studio or at home digitally and work on the same project with someone on the other side of the planet simultaneously.

As the pandemic hit, the benefit and versatility of the digital music era became apparent to everyone in the music industry, as well as fans of reggae music with the release of Rebelution's stellar seventh studio album "In the Moment". Written and created in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, this album would not exist if it weren't for the ability for the members of Rebelution, all residing in different locations, to record at home and send audio files back and forth to bring these songs to fruition.

For albums previous, Rebelution has gone into the studio together to flesh out and record songs that were mostly written together while on the road. As 2020 hit and lockdown's set in, their usual process of creating an album were no longer an option. Not to be stopped by the obstacles before them, the members of Rebelution began writing at home and sending their ideas and recordings to Rebelution's newest and youngest member Kyle Ahern, who began using his modern production techniques to work with the individual members remotely, layering their performances together and fleshing out the arrangements and production to match their visions of what each song should be. Being a band that enjoys and promotes embracing change in their lyrics, the band took this new process of creation forced upon them as an opportunity to do something new and have it fuel a great selection of songs.

On the Bringin' It Backwards podcast, lead singer/guitarist Eric Rachmany discussed this process: "Usually we write music from the road, during sound checks or on the bus. We'd exchange ideas in person and that just wasn't possible during the pandemic. I think once things started locking down and people were quarantined, that's when I realized I better get to work at home. I personally went on this great streak of writing music in maybe a two or three month span. We're lucky in this day you can record digitally and send files back and forth. We're used to getting in the studio and tracking everything live, but I definitely embraced the challenge and really enjoyed the process of just getting in the mood here at home recording".

The result is an album embodying the Rebelution sound we have become accustomed too, with the addition of blending alt-rock instrumentation, hip-hop rhythms, jazzy guitar lines, and a wide range of modern digital effects.

"In the Moment" comes out to a bang with the starting track "Satisfied". This song features the classic upbeat Rebelution sound and is a call to action for the communal fanbase the band has garnered; promoting the values of fairness, equality, and the strive to become one's best self which Reb has been instilling into their music since their first album "Courage to Grow". The steady groove that bassist Marley Williams consistently provides keeps our heads bobbin' to this one. "Satisfied" sounds like it could fit just as easily on their previous release "Free Rein" as it does on "In the Moment", making it a great opening track as it is the perfect transition if listening to the albums in succession.

The third track "Heavy as Lead" shows the listener how wide ranging this album truly is. Starting with a fly sample, slightly swung and banging drums, and booming bass, the band took what could have been a 20th century hip-hop hit, slowed it down and made it bop like a killer reggae track. The lyrics to the song are fitting for the tumultuous 2020 year, featuring the lyrics: “Hold steady my head; When the world is crumbling all around, oh; No pressure, no stress; I'm better, I'm best; When the dark surrounds, oh; Come heavy as lead; Won't let nobody ever take me down.”

The following track "To Be Younger" sounds equal parts Rebelution and Dave Matthews Band. Great acoustic rhythm pieces, drum patterns by Rebelution's great Wes Finley that simultaneously sound like classic Reb beats and the playing of legend Carter Beauford. The lead guitar lines have the signature Rachmany sound and make this song one of this reviewer's favorites on the entire album.

The slower-tempo, heavy reggae love song "Initials" quickly became a fan favorite. The importance of keyboardist Rory Carey is obvious on this song. Without his piano/synth composition and tone choices, "Initials" would be missing the vibe and sound that makes it so great. The track also features great lyricism, with the chorus ending with the beautiful line, "Let's carve our initials in that rock for life".

"That Zone" featuring Durand Jones is nothing short of an absolute vibe. One play and the listener (at least this one) is instantly transported to a beautiful sunny day on the beach. The musicianship of all the members shines through, and even though it is a reggae tune, sounds of R&B and jazz fusion blend with the classic Reb sound to make this song unique.

"In the Moment" includes the performance of other fantastic artists as well, with Kabaka Pyramid being featured on "2020 Vision", "All or Nothing" featuring Busy Signal, and Keznamdi singing on "Places Unknown".

We've been jamming to "In the Moment" all summer, and can't wait to hear what the band will be releasing in the future!

To check out Rebelution's music and tour dates, go to www.rebelutionmusic.com

"To Be Younger" by Rebelution is the Daily Reggae Song of The Day.

By Chris Lawrie.

Review originally published on September 9, 2021.