Pop-reggae fusion standouts Mystic Roots Band have been spreading their messages of positivity through their music for almost 20 years. The Chico, CA based 5-piece have stood out as a prime example of blending a melting pot of different genres in their music while using reggae as their overarching foundation. Having methodically pieced together their next studio album for several years, MRB has announced Change — available May 5 via Stay Positive Productions/Roots Musician Music.
Categorizing or branding Mystic Roots Band in one way or another is a tall order; comparisons and influences have often been stated to include No Doubt, Sublime and Rihanna. Each member of the band contributes vocals in some fashion which leads to some epic harmonious tones in a bulk of their music –- led by the versatile Katherine Ramirez (who was also featured in Season 7 of American Idol). Each album from MRB thus far has been quality work, and it’s worth revisiting the fact that their 2nd studio album Cali-HI was included by iTunes in their submission of “Best Reggae Albums of 2010” –- an accolade not given to many.
MRB continues to embrace their party mentality as well which can be made evident throughout some of their song titles, but also as part of their roots in which the group originally came to fruition from throwing college backyard parties while in Chico, CA. That uplifting spirit has historically found a way to ingrain itself into their music with their discography to date.
Campfire Vol. 1 – Camp (Roots) and Campfire Vol. 2 – Fire (Remixes) are the most recent full-album releases from MRB from 2013, and the band has been hard at work to finalize Change. News had been shared that MRB took a stab at experimenting with new styles and sounds and the dynamic writing and singing styles of Katherine Ramirez, Cootdog and Marko remain a constant foundation for the new record. EDM enthusiasts will also get to dabble in some trap music from MRB, as the closing track, “Ready for it (Refix)” is sure to be a banger on your summer playlist.
The lead-off track which MRB have already offered up on streaming services entitled “Trouble” paints the picture and sets the tone for the messaging of the album to invoke change through their music including lyrics of “Living in a system feeling trouble in the world/Trying to find a way to create love around the world.”
Additionally, MRB released the lead single of “Ready for It” in 2014 which pivots back to an immediately uplifting track, getting listeners in the mood to escape their daily routine and head straight for a festival (something that sounds pretty awesome, pretty much all of the time).
Turn up your speakers and check out the official lyric video for “Trouble” below as well as the video for “Ready for It” and make sure to circle your calendars for May 5 to grab your copy of Change!
Mystic Roots Band – Change Track-list:
1.) Trouble
2.) Marie
3.) Lullaby
4.) Ready for It
5.) Cry No More
6.) Change
7.) I’m Good
8.) Trumpets
9.) Sticky Situation
10.) Making You Mine
11.) Remind Me
12.) Little Bit of Love
13.) Lullaby Reprise
14.) Trumpets Dub
15.) Ready For It (Refix)
MRB on Tour
MRB has grown quite accustomed to playing big-time shows over the years to include various music festivals and supporting notable bands to include 311, Rebelution, Blink-182, Slightly Stoopid, Pato Banton and many more -– traveling across the globe to have also performed shows in Asia, Japan, Guam and Singapore. In addition, the band have been touring relentlessly for years, as made evident by their ability to electrify their audience each show without fail. MRB has over 1,500 shows under their belt to date. The immediate radar includes shows scattered through April including several shows with Katchafire -– and they can also be found in August performing a set at Reggae on The River and a special hometown show in downtown Chico, CA. Check out the full list of dates below and circle back to see if additional dates are announced in support of Change.
Bandsintown
Related Links
Mystic Roots Band Website
Mystic Roots Band Facebook
Mystic Roots Band Twitter
Article By: Brian Glaser
Watch: Mystic Roots Band – “Trouble”
Watch: Mystic Roots Band – “Ready for It (Summer Festival)”