Having combined the Cali-reggae sound of
Sublime with a jam band attitude years ago,
Rebelution were well into their groove by the time
Peace of Mind rolled around, and they had the sizable, loyal fan base to prove it, too. As such, this "on top of our game" album doesn't try hard to please, and when a rock-reggae group starts a song with "Woke up this morning" -- which happen here -- it's dangerously close to clichéd territory, but the enthusiasm, the musical skills, and the cottage industry love poured into this effort overcome the arguable shortcomings. When "Route Around" drives by with its pop ballad style and nylon-string guitar solo, the bar is raised and the horizon is broadened; then add a love of nature that's beautifully communicated through "Meant to Be" and
Rebelution are much more than a bleach-blond crew stumbling out of a van telling all the "suits" to "chill." Still, they retain enough of that surfer dude mojo to be charming, and while
Peace of Mind often leads with its "good vibes," there's a deep impact to be had here and there. Plus, "Comfort Zone" makes that "try to think of nothing" thing sound so good that any poignancy shoehorned in would really harsh its mellow. ~ David Jeffries