The Beatdown- Walkin Proud

Roots, Soul and reggae to go, could easily describe The Beatdowns debut album “Walkin Proud” but there is so much more to it than that. The three-piece from Montreal Canada formed in 2009 and have harnessed a sound and style from generations past to present.

Walkin Proud incorporates many elements of different genres, from scratchy echoing surf guitar on “The Other Side” to an early soul feel and rhythm on “Gone For Good” but those are just examples of the bands range. Their bread and butter lie with the ska and reggae. With grainy and soulful Vic Ruggerio (Slackers) like vocals and Roger Rivas (Aggrolites) Dirty Reggae organ-sound, its hard not to see the similarities but appreciate the differences their “Nothern Reggae” sound brings to the table. Right from jump Walkin Proud gets your boots moving “No Man” a heavy sing along summons the urge to skank and stomp as you groove to a walking bass line and blaring guitar solo. Followed quickly with “Long Road” a beautiful rocksteady gem perfect for cutting up the dance floor alone or with that lovely byrd in the corner crafted in a similar framework as fellow countrymen Chris Murray. With that being said “Montreal” is a wonderful tribute to our neighbors up north saturated in crashing guitar licks and home pride. This album provides plenty of easy listening and outright dancing mix in tracks like “Leaving” and “The River” with its distinct traditional use of harmonica you got yourself a scorcher of an album burning on all levels with soul, ska, rocksteady and even some two tone Dammers like energy. Walkin Proud in my opinion is a definite score for The Beatdown and anybody looking for a heavy rootsie reggae sound. 

 

 

-Gio Van Dam-
Big Wheel Staff Journalist
 

 

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