In a move that feels less like a product launch and more like a love letter to California’s genre-blurring musical spirit, Left Coast Sound — the collaborative brainchild of Dirty Heads bassist David Foral and sonic alchemist Jungle Josh — just rolled out their first split 7” vinyl. But don’t mistake this for a nostalgic cash-in. This is a deeply curated, tactile statement piece that brings reggae lineage and modern-day creativity together in one wax-sealed capsule.
The A-side hits with “Parachutes & Ladders,” a brand-new and previously unreleased cut from Ras-1 — the soulful former voice of Long Beach Dub Allstars and Long Beach Shortbus. The track unfolds like a sunset over the Pacific: mellow but cinematic, introspective yet expansive. It’s Ras-1 in full color again, and if this is a preview of what’s next, the scene may be witnessing a long-overdue second act. Ras-1’s “Parachutes & Ladders” is currently unreleased, but is headed towards digital platforms at the end of the month. Right now the only place to hear the track is by pre-ordering the 7″ inch vinyl.
Flip the record, and you land on a bold reinterpretation of “Pawn Shop”, a track already canonized in the Sublime universe. This new version drips with respect for its reggae roots, featuring legendary harmony kings Wailing Souls alongside rising lyrical tactician Milton J. The track’s bones remain, but it’s reborn — dusty dub textures brushing up against crisp modern production. It feels like an afterparty where generations of reggae royalty share the same couch, trading verses and vinyl. “Pawn Shop” debuted digitally on the Sublime Look at All the Love We Found tribute album released in May.
The physical package itself is part of the artistry. With custom cover art illustrated by Foral, who moonlights as a visual artist when not touring amphitheaters, the release is as much gallery piece as groove machine. Each record is pressed in limited quantities and available exclusively through DavidForal.com, a wink to collectors and crate-diggers alike.
More than a boutique drop, Left Coast Sound’s vinyl debut feels like the opening note of a larger movement — one that doesn’t just borrow from reggae history, but builds upon it with new energy and reverence. It’s collaboration without compromise. Nostalgia without imitation. And in the age of streaming ephemera, it’s a reminder that music — when done right — still belongs on wax.
