Ballyhoo! – Cheers!

Before listening to Ballyhoo! I was unaware of the quality and quantity of reggae bands that come out of places that aren’t Hawaii, Southern California, and Jamaica. As much as I am inclined to say that the best reggae bands come from So-Cal(and they do), Ballyhoo! might have gone as far as to prove me wrong.

Coming from Aberdeen, Maryland, Ballyhoo! has been able to produce two albums, and the more recent one with the help of members from the 311 crew. The drummer Chad Sexton doing some mixing, and the sound engineering of Scotch Ralston to be precise. Playing reggae/rock beach-friendly tunes with a dash of hip-hop makes me wonder if Maryland even has a beach. Despite my geographical ignorance, I still know a great reggae band/album when I hear it.

Ballyhoo! has put out two versions of this album, and although the second version is 6 songs shorter it does include the song "Alcohol Looks Beautiful Tonight". A beautifully written song that alternates between acoustic and electric instruments that anyone who has had a rough day working(or touring in this case), can relate in the joy of participating in after-work libations. Besides that the only difference is the new record label Surf dog Records which put the album out a year after it’s original.

The first couple songs give off the vibe of a guy (probably the singer), who has had some girl trouble. It’s a common theme but it does relate to just about everyone. Lucky for the listener however, that instead of sulking about it or seeking vengeance like many of his lascivious counter-parts, he has written some well written songs. Those earlier songs include "Phantoms", "The Friend Zone" and "Paper Dolls". Besides the impeccable drumming and its variety, and besides the cool intro guitar riffs, it is always soothing to hear reggae verses followed by a heavier rock chorus.

The other songs that aren’t about girls or their fallacious conduct, include the aforementioned drinking song, and "Cheers" which is a song about their journey as musicians until now, paying tribute to the friends made and how much help they have given.

Ballyhoo! is clearly a band that’s going to be around for a while, just as long as women keep treating the singer like shit. It won’t be long before they are compared to the likes of "Pepper", "311" and "Slightly Stoopid", some of which they have already opened shows for. My best recommendation is to hear this album now, become a fan so that you can brag about how much you liked them before they hit it big.

 

Gabriel R.
Big Wheel Music Scene Contributor
 

 

 

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