#vibeexpress

Talk about putting it on the map- Eugene, Oregan will forever be engraved in my mind as the home of the amazing band- Sol Seed. To say that this sensational group of fellas are talented is an understatement. As excited as I was to go to Georges to see Sol Seed perform live for my first time, I was not at all prepared despite how many youtube videos of their concerts I watched beforehand. That is because this group of guys have mastered their own unique ability to give an experience and not just a live performance. With elements of Rock, Reggae, Hip Hop, Funk, Ambient Jams, and even hints of Latin Jazz intertwined with uplifting lyrics and delivered with such gusto; Sol Seed has created a recipe for a groove that sets them apart from the rest of the crowd. 

Through out the night as Sol Seed shifted from song to song, there was a strong sense of nostalgia for me as I swayed to the motion of their musicality. Sol Seed isn’t just a band that plays music, they are a band that takes you on a journey. Their performance of “Ego Balloon” was reminiscent of my childhood days over hearing my older brother blast Pharcyde from his bedroom, a slice of conscious hip hop you just don’t hear nowadays. With Michael who plays guitar and Sky on the Digderidoo-expressing smooth lyrical depth in their flows, it was an incredible sight to witness hip hop fused in a way I’ve never seen a band do before. How could I forget, their cover of No Diggity was definitely a crowd pleaser as they got funky with it, but lets not linger there too long. Sol Seed encompasses rich tones of Reggae and Rocksteady vibes in their sound with a message that encourages and uplifts the listener. Their song “Roach in the Water” with its upbeat ska tempo matched by their enthusiasm had me instantly skanking and two stepping in no time. Benny, the bass player offers his sublime vocals on “Mista Mista” and with Michael on the drums dropping his verse on “Watersprout” its evident that these aren't just musicians but singers working together like a choir to elevate the harmonious ambience they have on their audiences. It takes chemistry, dedication, talent, and passion to be able to operate in the way Sol Seed funcitons and I’m grateful that I was able to observe such a rarity for myself. These are professionals, they know what they are doing, and they enjoy doing it, and its that kind of ethic that I applaud and admire.

Sliding in and out of different types of grooves with such grace seems to be Sol Seed’s niche. I must say, the Northwest has caught the luck of the irie because they sure are lucky to have Sol Seed. The fluidity of their set which combined so many different elements was not forceful, neither was it confusing, but man was it enticing and simply priceless. You can’t put a price tag on the performance that I was able to experience, and walking away from Georges I couldn’t help but think, “Wow, I got to see them for free.”

www.soulseedmusic.com

-Your Avid Rager

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