Arise Roots – The Expanders – and Quinto Sol – at The Echoplex – Los Angeles, CA

On February 20th at the Echoplex, Los Angeles and the Dub Club once again flexed its muscles for all to see: a terrific line up, consisting of some of the cities finest roots reggae and socially conscious bands to ever call Los Angeles home. The chilly half-lit moon watched over the City Of Angels as the reggae stars lit up the Echoplex stage.

Reggae lovers were in high spirits as the nights celebration got under way, with the first group up to get the people moving were East L.A.’s very own Quinto Sol. Now, to any long time L.A. reggae fan this could have been enough for one night’s excitement, but it was just the tip of the iceberg! Performing and raising awareness through thought provoking and culturally rich music, fused with roots reggae and Chicano art and passion for nearly twenty years, Quinto Sol’s track record speaks for itself. On this night that passion and pride was seen and felt in spades; Dub Club regulars and newcomers alike sang along and raised their fists in unison as the band seamlessly made its way through their set. Deep Latin rhythms and roots reggae soul was matched by their immeasurable energy and powerful stage presence. Remembering that this was only the first performance of the night it was only fitting that the Dub Club faithful demanded one more song to which the influential east L.A. collective happily obliged and in some ways set the tone for the night’s merriment.

After a few choice tunes from resident icon and DJ, Tom Chasteen, and a little rub-a-dub styling it was now time for The Expanders to hit the legendary Dub Club stage. Coming off one of the more mesmerizing nights in recent ska and reggae memory, we saw The Expanders perform alongside L.A. legends Hepcat just one week prior at the House of Blues on Sunset in a show that could only be described as magical. Tonight, The Expanders had plenty more magic up their sleeves for the legions of Dub Club faithful in attendance. Wasting no time delving into their brand of soulful and captivating roots reggae music, The Expanders hit the fans in attendance with one big tune after another, touching on songs that display the bands range and influence (and even a song or two for the ganja connoisseur). After recently releasing an album of their own entitled “Old Time Something Come Back Again” on Christmas Day (which could be had for FREE via the bands Facebook), The Expanders had the crowed abuzz and the mood was set for the nights final act—Arise Roots.  

Celebrating the release of their new album “Moving Forward”, which is now available on iTunes and Cdbaby.com, fans were treated to some new gems with the same ol’ energy and flare one would expect from the L.A. roots masters.  Showcasing some of the newest tunes, fans showed an instant connection to the songs. The bands unquestionable passion, front man Karim Israel’s gritty and captivating voice and energy reached every corner of the Dub Club enthralling everyone within earshot. Mixed in with the soothing, yet hypnotizing, organ melodies of Todd Johnson and the soul-bending, knee-shaking sounds of Robert Sotelo’s rhythmic guitar, Arise Roots have clearly done it again to the reggae community. Songs like “Hit the Ground Running”, “Mellow Mood”, and “Moving Forward” kept the ground shaking and the people dancing. 

This album must be bought and appreciated for everything Arise Roots does, not only with pure musicianship, but also for what the band has to say and the message they convey. Moving Forward is roots reggae and hope at its finest. A definite mark was left on the Dub Club patrons after Wednesday’s performance; to say this album and all the songs performed are amazing would be a gross understatement. Fans couldn’t help but call the band back for an encore and in true Dub Club Rub-A-Dub stylie, Arise Roots ended the night with free flowing lyricism and heavy reggae rhythms inviting Dub Club M.C.’s and mic scorchers to help send of the night. With Reggae Pop’s dancing away with the band, our night had its cherry on top.

                             More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Gio Van Dam-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

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