Rebelution has certainly made a name for themselves in their hometown of Santa Barbara, California, but their fan base continues to grow exponentially with each step they take on stage to play their music at a new venue. Their grassroots-reggae sounds, paired with their laid-back, yet tight, melodies make it near impossible for a crowd to avoid transformation into instant fanatics.

Though their songs have yet to catch on with mainstream radio, Rebelution proves through hard work and obvious talent that success is attainable, and they don’t need to be broadcast on am/fm radio to be supported by the music community. The band has made their mark all over the nation and they have certainly made their mark on me, as well. Only having heard their studio recordings and watched live show clips on YouTube, I jumped at the opportunity to see them at the Showbox in Seattle on January 23rd – and now, after all the stories I’d heard about an attendee and their inevitable contact high, I can confidently confirm: they’re true.

As soon as frontman Eric Rachamny coolly strutted on stage, the crowd burst into an uproar of praise and eager anticipation. The mood became ecstatic and all our eyes opened a little wider as we saw the band emerging, one by one, to join their instruments for the show. Rachamny was followed by Rory Carey on keyboards, and Wes Finley on drums, who got the rhythm going.

Though the majority of the set was dominated by tunes from their most recent album, “Bright Side of Life,” the band also played older tunes off “Courage to Grow” for long-time fans. Songs from the debut and sophomoric albums blended well together; it was refreshing to hear the beats in person, and listen to the lyrics spew from fans’ mouths all around me. The band seemed to take themselves seriously, all the while refusing to forfeit their laid-back California disposition. Bassist, Marley Williams, jammed out as he paced up and downstage throughout the set, and a spell came over the audience.

Rebelution ruled the sold-out crowd as a seasoned touring band, and their opening acts Zion I and SOJA – complemented their sound with personal renditions of slow-beats reggae infused with a hint of their own trademarks. As I looked around throughout the night, all spectators were drinking, smoking or bobbing their heads – and it wouldn’t have mattered what song Rebelution played next, because their fans obviously love them all!

View all articles by Lindsey Hecht

Posted 6 months, 3 weeks ago on Feb 15 2010. Filed under Mobile Only.