From the stretch of Silicon Valley highway the band’s named after, 880 South delivers their version of feel-good Reggae. Their 13 song album “Beware” is not the smoked-out Jah Mon variety we’ve heard so many times before (not that there’s anything wrong with that type), but a refreshingly energized style. I use the term “Reggae” loosely, as this Nor Cal quartet synthesizes styles ranging from funk/rock to soul and ska. Their songwriting skill and melodic sense keep these diverse elements accessible to the average listener, while their musicianship lends them credibility with hardcore fans of the genre.
Highlights include the party-funk “Drinks Are On Me” with its wah guitar fills and corkscrew solo by Steve Shyshka. Vocalist, Luigi “Weege” Casaretto sings/raps tales of drinking while the rhythm section keeps the groove going. “Tomorrow” is a poppy reggae gem in the vein of Santeria. Sublime’s influence on the band can be heard in some of their more ska-oriented tracks such as “Down in the Rubble” with its quick time changes and choppy, skankin’ guitar riffs. Finally, the funky soul “Fast Lane” with its chinka-chink rhythm recalls 70’s Motown - a gas guzzling Cadillac on cruise-control.
880 South consists of Luigi Casaretto on Vocals & Guitar, Greg Medeiros on Bass/Vocals, Steve Shyshka on Lead Guitar and Nick Fishman on Drums (replacing Aaron Liebelt). Get your reggae on performance enhancers before someone decides to ban it.
Upcoming Shows
Tuesday February 19th 2008 - 7:00 PM
Santa Cruz, CA
880 South will be performing at the Catalyst
w/ Badfish(A Sublime Tribute), the Skaflaws, & f.u.b.a.r.
Tickets available at CatalystClub.com
16+
Friday February 22nd 2008 - 8:30PM
San Francisco, CA
880 South opens for Fishbone at the Independent.
also performing is Rebelution
Tickets available at TheIndependentSF.com
21+
myspace.com/880south
880south.com
