Monday, April 2, 2012

The Black Seeds Bring Antipodeon Reggae Sounds Stateside


I'm excited to report that The Black Seeds, one of reggae music's best kept secrets, is bringing their antipodean reggae sounds to North America this month and will play songs from their eighth studio album 'Dust And Dirt." The band's many albums have been on heavy rotation on my iPod for a number of years and they are among the best purveyors of modern reggae. Indeed, I would venture to say that the band has picked up the mantle that UB40 dropped many years ago -- intelligent, pop-driven, politically conscious music that keeps you thinking and your feet moving.

Just who are The Black Seeds you ask? The 8-piece band from Wellington, New Zealand produce a unique, boundary-crossing fusion of dub, funk, afrobeat and soul, that is anchored by a backbone of vintage reggae. The band's Kiwi roots also lend the music a laid back vibe that includes a particular environmental/green consciousness which is no surprise given they are from New Zealand.

That said, the band has been mostly unknown in North America, but that is beginning to change as they tour here more frequently, including dates across the U.S. and Canada that kicks off this month. The band recorded and produced 'Dust And Dirt' themselves, and will release it on Easy Star label here in the U.S. on April 9th.

Still need a bit more convincing?  Give a listen to a few of their best songs including 'The Answer', 'Sometimes Enough' and 'Little Atoms'. The band have also released the first single from 'Dust And Dirt' titled 'Pippy Pip'. The band is also free streaming the new album on their web site. All you need to do is share an email address to hear it.









Below are the band's U.S. tour dates (I'll see you at the show in Brooklyn!)

Thu 04/05/12 Los Angeles, CA

Fri 04/06/12 San Diego, CA

Sat 04/07/12 Santa Barbara, CA

Sun 04/08/12 San Francisco, CA

Tue 04/10/12 Victoria, BC

Wed 04/11/12 Vancouver, BC

Thu 04/12/12 Seattle, WA

Fri 04/13/12 Denver, CO

Sat 04/14/12 Boulder, CO

Sun 04/15/12 Brooklyn, NY

Tue 04/17/12 Ithaca, NY

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