Passafire are back with their fifth studio album, 'Vines' which was released worldwide on November 11th. Vines is the band’s début release for leading reggae label Easy Star Records and is the follow up to their 2011 chart-topping (#1 Billboard and iTunes Reggae) album 'Start From Scratch'. The Savannah, GA-based quartet continues to raise their profile to the top of the exploding U.S. reggae scene.

Much of Vines was recorded just outside of El Paso, TX at the legendary Sonic Ranch Studios, the largest residential recording studio complex in the world. Acts as diverse as Animal Collective, Sublime, Gogol Bordello, and Band of Horses have all shared the unique facilities and atmosphere where the new album was recorded.  It was finished in the band’s own home studio, which allowed for a much more relaxed, off the clock approach to the final sessions. After the recording was completed, Passafire worked with Paul Leary (of the Butthole Surfers), who produced their last album, to nail down the final mixes.  Leary’s impressive resume includes work with Sublime, Pepper, Slightly Stoopid, U2, Meat Puppets, and Daniel Johnston, to name a few.  Vines is Passafire’s most ambitious release to date, thanks in large part to the focus of the current line-up – singer/guitarist Ted Bowne, drummer Nick Kubley, bassist/vocalist Will Kubley and keyboardist Mike DeGuzman.  The results find its makers at a creative peak combined with a comfort level on stage and in the studio that Passafire has never achieved before.  Early critical praise of Vines is already coming in, with The Pier enthusiastically stating, “…the tracks have a maturity and depth to them, traits gained only by working out material together on the road.”

The band’s relentless touring schedule has gained a loyal national following with notable performances at festivals including the Vans Warped Tour, Wakarusa, and the California Roots Festival.  2013 has only accelerated the bands’ momentum on the road.  On October 4th 2013, Passafire kicked off an extensive tour co-headlining with friends and scene-mates Ballyhoo! The string of 29-dates is aptly titled the “BrewHaHa” Tour.

Vines is available form  iTunes and all other leading outlets.

TONY BREVETT R.I.P

On the 26th October the world lost one of the most underrated singer-songwriters of a generation: Tony Brevett. Brevett was best known for his work with the Melodians, the group he had formed in the early sixties, along fellow Kingstonians, Brent Dowe and Trevor McNaughton.

After making their recording debut in 1966, the trio enjoyed a long and successful career, cutting hits with many of Jamaica’s leading producers, most notably Coxson Dodd, Duke Reid, Sonia Pottinger and Leslie Kong, for whom they recorded their most famous works: their sole UK hit, ‘Sweet Sensation’ and the definitive version of ‘Rivers Of Babylon’ from 1970. Soon after, Brevett recorded a number of self-produced solo sides, including his enduring hit,‘Don’t Get Weary’.

Subsequent spells working with Lee Perry and Harry Johnson ensued for the group, although their career was adversely affected by periods of inactivity following a number of break-ups. They finally experienced a period of sustained unity in the late 1990’s, during which time their stage performances won them new generations of fans, but sadly, in 2006, Dowe passed away following a heart attack. The remaining duo maintained the Melodians name until earlier this year, but after falling ill in August, Brevett was diagnosed with cancer and despite the efforts of staff at Florida’s Memorial Hospital, he finally lost his fight with the disease aged 64.

Mungo's Hi Fi ft. Lady Ann – Sound Get A Beating

Lady Ann comes in hard with a certified sound killer, beating down any dibbi
dibbi who wants to come try test. Riding the old time dance riddim with a rough
n tough vocal over the 80's digital style, together with the clean riddim this is an
essential 7” for all DJ's and jugglers.

This is a limited edition run.

Tradesman ft. Parly B – Know Bout Style

Tradesman is causing a right old rumble with his fresh digital reggae riddims. Together with Parly B, Doncasters DJ don dadda, they have created a modern day dancehall anthem, with one foot in the late 80's and the other firmly planted in 2013. 'Know bout Style' sent the flamethrowers wild at Outlook this year.

This is a strictly limited short run, so get it before it's gone.

Roots Radio Intl

 CHECK OUT THE STATION EVERYONE'S BEEN TALKING ABOUT!

With a host of multi national DJs representing Sound Systems, Record labels and Promotion outfits
Roots Radio Intl is your number one port of call!
You will hear all the latest up to date sound system dubplates that are biggin up the dancefloors across the world, You will hear all the latest sounds from independent reggae labels, their releases and archives, you will hear classic vintage reggae and dub selected from vinyl, you will see a friendly positive roots family welcome you to the station for it boasts it's own multi camera chat lounge where you'll make friends with like minded fans of the music. The station will soon be employing it's own merchandise and music download store
The station is owned by Rabbi Cajun , it is managed by Rebel Soul (both United States). It's Admin team who make sure the station runs as smoothly and trouble free as is possible are Arfur B, Warrior Force Naomi and Roots Hobbit (All UK) with admin assistance from Cristiano Jahvoice and Tias dubwise (Italy France respectively). The station's publicist and promoter is Gibsy Rhodes (SpringlineRecords) So, tune in to the sound of now and enjoy the ride!

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