#norcalreggae

  Vibing all the way from Humbolt County is a band equipped with a sensational sound pleasing audiences everywhere. Synrgy brings a different type of energy with their Soulful Reggae music. Yes, Soul & Reggae may be a simple concoction that Synrgy has managed to blend, but its side-affects are nothing short of the ordinary, its sublime.

Brian’s soulful voice accompanied by the union of passionate musicians make up the serene sounds of Synrgy. From the beginning of their set to the end I was on my feet swaying and engaged by their performance. By the time they performed “Summertime” I was already bobbing my head, lightly pumping my fist with my drink in one hand, eyes closed and a smile on my face. Theres a sense of tranquility that their presence brings as they navigate through the groove and perform their songs. “Embrace The Change” brought in steady rocker vibes with its heavy bassline and riffs. Meanwhile, Toots and The Maytals were brought to mind as they performed their island driven tune “Cast Those Stones” - a song that provided a dancey atmosphere woven with a deep message about love & forgiveness which is something that I’ve always appreciated about Reggae music and a quality that Synrgy exemplifies in their music. 

Synrgy provides wholesome music you can dance to, a message that you can glean from, and a passion that you can appreciate. Though Ahskanez may have not been crowded that night, I felt the presence of great music and thats the essence of what makes a great show. Everytime I see a musician bob their head it gives me life. When I hear a singer belt words of life it goes straight to my heart and when the bassline drops I can’t help but nice up the dance. I’m compelled to ramble about these happenings, because its bands like Synrgy that deserve continuing recognition and support so they can continue to fulfill their purpose in spreading good vibes. Be sure to buy their music, stay updated, visit their website, and go to a show near you!

www.synrgyband.com

Raging from San Vallejo County is a sound waiting to erupt audiences everywhere. What the (West Coast) Reggae Rock scene lacks is what Skunk Funk delivers; they are the missing piece to the magnificent vibetastical puzzle (yes I made up that word). Their stage presence is explosive, their sound distinct, and their musical style is colorfully filled with hints of what could only be assorted by an eclectic taste for funk, hard rock, hip hop, ska, reggae, and punk; music that has made the West Coast a force to be reckon with in the music world...music that can only be expressed in run-on sentences. Okay I'll stop before I digress.

Upon experiencing Skunk Funk live at Georges I was reminded of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Sublime, No Doubt, Fishbone, and many others but fused into one entity of greatness. One can’t help but think that nothing but awesomeness can be birthed from such influences, and that is the case for Skunk Funk. 

Skunk Funk’s musical presentation is indeed refreshing and all types of lively. With each song is a different personality much like a movie with different characters and a plot there is a sense of suspense that Skunk Funk brings to their performances which will have audiences guessing. From their nitty gritty funk filled song “Muthafunkah” to their upbeat ska tune “Congo Line” and their melodic sweet jam “Tell Me What It Takes” Skunk Funk brings something that everyone can enjoy. Bobo who sings lead vocals and plays bass carries the band with his baritone tenor voice while Max lead guitarist and drummer Nick chime in with their harmonies from time to time adding flavor to the vocal arrangements of their songs. Meanwhile, Cuban B on the congos delivers his own flows to add to the mix which brings another layer to their driven sound. From what I saw Skunk Funk proved to be a unit and with each band member is a unique craftsmanship molded together to form something worth watching. Not to mention, the integrity that it takes for bands to completely pour their heart out on stage is not something to be taken lightly. These musicians care, and you can tell by the way they play their instruments and sing their hearts out. 

With the advances of technology and social media and the rise of many different bands and talented individuals, it can be tough to distinguish a diamond in the rough amongst the many who are shining and experiencing widespread success. However, the beauty of a diamond in the rough is that at first glance it is ordinary, but until it is refined and polished only then can its true glory be revealed. I believe this to be true for Skunk Funk who are now in that process of being refined and polished before entering a season of fully functioning in their musical destinies.

They say that the best things in life are free, and well I believe that some of the very best shows in life are free and in our very own backyard. I urge you to take the time and enjoy the bands and talent that is around your neck of the woods. You might just get the luck of the irie and discover a thriving talented community & I’m sure you will be inspired by the passion that drives them to keep it alive. 

So what are you waiting for?! Get the funk out there! And vibe along!

https://www.facebook.com/skunkfunkmusic

http://www.reverbnation.com/skunkfunk707

-Your avid rager