The self-released debut by Tribal Seeds is surprisingly authentic roots reggae in the
Steel Pulse/
Aswad tradition; "surprising" because these are youngsters from San Diego, CA, not normally known as a hotbed of Jamaican culture. These 11 songs will not make anybody forget his
Bob Marley & the Wailers albums, but there are no misbegotten attempts to either modernize or cross-pollinate the bass-heavy rhythms, melodica accents, or authentically dread lyrics and vocals. In fact,
Youth RebelLion is so completely by-the-book that to a discerning reggae fan, the album might well seem a bit too safe, too familiar. Age and experience might bring an even deeper connection to reggae that won't feel quite so studied, but
Youth RebelLion remains an enjoyable listen regardless of its occasional stuffiness and derivative aspects. ~ Stewart Mason