Reflecting the bands illustrious past and innovative releases, Eye on the Horizon firmly picks up where the bands popular top 20 chart hit Little Britain left off. It reinvents the band with ten tracks that signify the move into fully formed songwriting against a backdrop of dubwise dancabilty.

EYE ON THE HORIZON – track listing

1.TOMORROW NEVER COMES

2.FOR A REASON

3.CHANGES

4.AMERICAN DREAD

5.BEYOND A ROCK

6. GANGSTER

7. YEAH MAN

8.MY FACE

9. WALK TALL

10. JUST LET GO

The UK is suffering from gang related violence with kids killing kids, gun crime and knife crime is all on the rise. Kids fearing for their safety every time they step outside their patch. Enough is enough. A message of unity of which Dreadzone clearly supports.

Check this video for Dreadzone’s Gangster.

Taking their name from a fictional band in a Tom Robbins novel it is clear Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad wanted to set themselves out from the crowd. Well fortunately for them, and us, they have done just that.

A groups’ name can be seen as important as the music they create, the ADD generation demand instant gratification, instant reward, so much so the reality is they rarely give music more than 30 seconds to impress them.

GPGDS bassist James Searl tells us why he thinks a band’s name is important.

He said: “Bands find themselves in the schizophrenic position of needing to label themselves and the music they create with a series of letters that go on to form a series of words to set them apart from the rest of the fish in the musical sea of 21^st Century music business.

“We do think it is sort of ridiculous, but we have fun with it.”

Fortunately for GPGDS their moniker is one which you will not forget in a while. Even more fortunately for us GPGDS memorable name is backed up by some impressive funky-dub style beats.

As previously stated GPGDS took their name from Tom Robbins ‘Another Attraction’- which is one of the group’s favourite books. The fictional group in the book are called Giant Panda Gypsy Blues Band and Searl says the band in the book “essentially described the band we all wanted to be in.”

“But being more a Guerilla Dub Squad on a musical level, we tweaked the name.”

Formed in the vibrant upstate New York town of Rochester by a close-knit group of friends in the early 2000′s, GPGDS consist of guitarist Dylan Savage, drummer Chris O’Brian, multi-instrumentalist Aaron Lipp and bassist Searl.  The group share vocal duties, which comes as a welcome change from so many groups who have one focal point.

Any reggae fan in the US has heard of legendary Long Beach reggae-punks Sublime (now reformed with a new singer) and GPGDS are no different and as with so many others it led individual members to explore other music.

“We listened to tons of Sublime which led us to the dance.

“I saw the Wailers and John Brown’s Body in the same weekend, and the drum and the bass had me more convinced than anything I had ever thought about in my life up to that point.” said Searl.

John Brown’s Body have played a huge role in the GPGDS’s development and Searl now views them as family.

“Getting to know them as people, artists and peers has probably been our greatest claim to actually feeling successful in our careers.

“They are one of our favourite bands to this day and one of our greatest inspirations.”

GPGDS are forging an ever-growing reputation for their live shows, a fact only enhanced by the release of their second album ‘Live Up’ which is made up entirely of live tracks.

Searl is categorical in his defence of the pluses of releasing a live album so early on in their career when asked about it being a risky move.

“We never even thought to think of it like that.

“One of the biggest comments we got from friends and family about ‘Slow Down’ was that it had nothing on our live show.” said Searl.

Searl, perhaps realising the world is not as informed about GPGDS and their live shows as they would like, see ‘Live Up’ as a priority because the music changes so quickly, which Searl says is proof of the diversity the band are capable of creating from night to night.

“I think in the end we will release lots of live material as it happens as well as studio collaborations.”

This raises the possibility that GPGDS could develop a Phish type fan-base with the emphasis on quality live shows, a concept Searl is very open to.

“It was all about playing live and learning how to interpret energy from place to place.

“If we could make people feel as good as Phish made us feel when were at their shows…we would take that in a flash.” said Searl.

The energy which Searl talks off and which is evident in their live album is clearly important to GPGDS and they take care to ensure each show is different.

GPGDS’s music is deeply rooted in the 1970s Jamaican roots scene, artists such as Bunny Wailer, Burning Spear, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and of course Bob Marley are all cited by Searl as influences. Other influences show GPGDS’s diverse range of musical tastes with Searl citing Rage Against the Machine, Nirvana, and Radiohead along with some older ‘classic’ rock and jam bands such as The Beatles and The Grateful Dead and the aforementioned Phish.

GPGDS clearly feel the roots sound was not meant to be left in the 70s and they will continue to carry on its tradition while remaining true to themselves and their vision.

Whatever the future holds for GPGDS, whether it is more live albums or studio collaborations, it is a very bright future and one which reggae fans will follow with interest.

When asked to describe Sublime to someone who hasn’t heard them before I always struggle. Do I say they are Reggae-rock? Surf-rock? Stoner-rock? Punk-rock? They truth is they are all of these tags and so much more. They are simply Sublime.

With Sublime seemingly ready to crack the big-time in 1996 with the release of their third self-titled album ‘Sublime’ their world was turned upside down  for an all to different and tragic reason. The death of front-man Bradley Nowell from an overdose meant the band went on a permanent  hiatus.

Fast forward 14 years and numerous bands (Long Beach Dub All-Stars, Long Beach Shortbus, Eyes Adrift, Del Mar, Stonewing) and a lawsuit (Nowell family against Bud and Eric), Sublime have re-emerged with a new singer, 21-year-old Rome Ramirez and a new name (well almost), they are now known as Sublime w/Rome.

Rome is a SoCal native who was introduced to Eric by a mutual friend in 2008 and they started to jam together soon after.

What followed these acoustic sessions was a secret gig in Reno, NV and a successful slot at the Smokeout Festival.

For many fans Sublime will always be Bradley Nowell but the reality is there were three members of Sublime.

The compromise Bud, Eric and Rome have reached with the Nowell family is a fair one and indeed the correct one, no-one can replace Brad and nor should they but Bud and Eric do have the right to self-determination and they have chosen to reform.

With a mini six-date tour of the US to commence next month and a new album to drop soon after (maybe as soon as the summer) and a European tour to be announced shortly, the legacy of Sublime and Bradley lives on.

Details of Sublime w/Rome can be found here.

Ex lead singer of cult punks Avail, Tim Barry has just released his third solo album, 28th & Stonewall, and it is his best work to date.

Comprising punk attitude with strong, heartfelt lyrics, Barry is taking the folk singer genre in an exciting direction.

Currently touring the US and Canada (with a broken hand) the UK waits patiently to see whether Barry will tour 28th & Stonewall here.

Sublime w/Rome

After all the hoopla over their performance at Smoke Out last summer under the Sublime name died out Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson have finally decided to call themselves Sublime w/Rome.

They intend to tour the US and there are strong rumours of a European tour and equally strong rumours of new material.

For full details on the ongoing saga that is Sublime w/Rome click here!

The Gaslight Anthem

The Gaslight Anthem are often likened to that other New Jersey institution (no I don’t mean Bon Jovi) but Bruce Springsteen and it is clear why.

The working man down on his luck theme transcends the music.

A sold out show at London’s HMV Forum scheduled for July had to be moved to the bigger Brixton Academy and this is proof of the UK appetite for them.

Again with only rumours to go on as far as a new album is concerned 2010 should be a very exciting year NJ’s punks.

Three Legged Fox

Philly’s Three Legged Fox are a band who on past experience like to take their time when it comes to releasing new albums.

There was a three year gap between Ideas (2006) and Not as Far (2009) and while there is not definite news on a new album just yet the band are still releasing live tracks every month via this cool site!

Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad

Taking the unusual step of releasing a live album so early on in their career the uniquely named Giant Panda Guerrilla Dud Squad (GPGDS) are set to take their place among the jam bands who thrive in a live arena.

Live Up! 2.0 is available now!

Check back soon for an interview and album review soon!

I remember Ben Wayne sending me a message to say that he and Joe grew up together in Syracuse or something to that effect. Crazy how two artists who’s music I loved and discovered at different periods in my life have a connection stretching back years.

Check out the video interview with Joe.

Also a little interview Joe kindly let me conduct is below.

Joe Driscoll, native of New York, living in London, multi-genre fusing artist sat down with the Waiting Room recently to talk about life, his influences and music in general. His music has taken from the US, to London, to Africa.

Here’s what he had to say.

Joe thanks for taking the time to talk to us. First of all I am interested to find out how you came to live in London and what attracted to you the UK?

Came to London for a European tour, and fell in love with it. I suppose what most drew me to London was the nightlife and its wealth of culture. The British humor is a big draw for me as well.

Was it a difficult decision to leave the US? It is an unusual step for an American artist to try and make it in the UK before cracking the US.

I never really decided to leave in a sense. Thought I would stay on for a few more months, then see what happened. I ended up never leaving! It isn’t so unusual for an American to try the U.K. first. Dylan, Hendrix, and Paul Simon all had more response from the U.K. before they had success in the states.

That is an excellent point, certain artists do find acceptance in the UK before success in the US. I see from your MySpace/website that you have played some shows in Africa. How did they come about?

A promoter from Liverpool organizes festivals in Africa. He had heard of my work and thought it would be a good fit for the African/ English cross culture experience. Touring Africa was the most amazing experience of my life.

Your music and subsequent live shows earned you a reputation as an innovator. How did you develop this style of music and who were your influences?

My music is a hybrid of all the different varied influences I had growing up. My influences are extremely diverse, which I believe has brought about such an innovative sound. Some of my biggest influences include Bob Marley, Dylan, Wu-Tang, De La Soul, Beatles and Beastie Boys to name a few.

Lyrically you also seem very diverse. On the track “Nomad” you talk of “wandering miles from your home” Do you see yourself as Nomad?

Absolutely. Traveling is pretty much a lifestyle for me. My life is destinations!

You latest album, Origin Myths, is available through ITunes. Where else can we get hold of a copy?

You can find my work on Joe Driscoll or find my work at CDbaby

Finally, what are your hopes and plans for the future?

Working on my new album which is going to be released this spring! Beyond that, its just keep touring and keep inspiring!!

Tim Barry ex-lead singer of punk rockers Avail can still rage but delivers an album of sincere and heartfelt songs.

Tim Barry a man so punk he sleeps in a shed with no running water or electricity, so punk he studied economics, so punk he thinks nothing of heading out in 30 degree weather, sleeping under the stars.

But, the one time front-man for Virginia punks Avail, Barry is mellowing with age and his third studio release is his most poignant work to date.

Some of the best folk-singers are men who like their own company, men who live their life on the road, hard-drinking, nomads for a modern age and Barry does give the feeling he is happiest when he is reliant on no-one but himself.

The drifter theme plays itself out on this album with tracks such as “With Ease I Leave,” “Thing of the Past,” and “Bozeman”.

On “Thing of the Past” Barry states in no uncertain terms how life should not be lived, where memories are just that and the future is what you make it.

“Tonight I’m getting drunk and simply living.”

Displaying a sense of history and asking “does anyone know Gabriel Prosser?” Barry spends nearly five-minutes singing about a failed 1800 slave uprising in his native Virginia is one of 28^th & Stonewall’s strongest moments.

When Barry sings: “You are a coward if you own men for profit and greed.” You get the impression he is singing about not just the slave economy of 19^th Century Virginia but also modern day America and the rest of the Western world..

Much like, another folk singer/rocker, Seasick Steve, Barry captures his audience with his tales of woe, drinking, women and county jails.

However, Barry’s punk attitude still shines through and his fuck you I’m living my life attitude is infectious.

Barry’s life is so much more than music and the man himself sums it up nicely when he said: “If you don’t have a big life outside of music, you’re probably not going to write good songs.”

For fans of Chad Price, Chuck Ragan, Shawn Mullins.

You can purchase Tim Barry’s new album here

Hailing from Santa Barbara, California, the Rebelution boys play reggae with a pop flavour and with rumours of a UK tour coming up these are exciting times for the band.

New album Bright Side of Life released to much acclaim in the US and certainly proves Rebelution as one of the up and coming bands in the reggae-rock scene.

Interview originally published in September 08 after their debut album was voted iTunes Editors Choice for best Reggae Album of 2007

Who were your musical influences when you were younger, who inspired you to form Rebelution?

I’ve always been interested in all forms of music since childhood. At an early age my parents surrounded me with world music. I learned how to play piano, then guitar, and then I started to write songs in high school and college. I’m definitely influenced by reggae music as a whole, but more specifically, Don Carlos, one of the original members of Black Uhuru. He got me into Reggae in the first place.

What can you tell us about your current album, are you pleased with how it has been received?

Yes we’re very thankful for everything. We had no idea we would win the iTunes Editors Choice for best Reggae Album of 2007. We think it’s a good starting demonstration of what Rebelution is all about. We’re also really looking forward to our next album now that we’ve been writing all these new songs.

How do you find inspiration for your songs?

We find inspiration through everything. Travelling, relaxing, waiting, stress even.

Sublime are a huge influence on many Cali bands,how do you think Sublime influenced the Cali music scene?

What Sublime did was they took a lot of common reggae basslines that came out of Jamaica and they added their Cali style to it. Its safe to say that they got A LOT of people into Reggae music.

I couldn’t agree more, they certainly got me into reggae and led me to many other superb bands from the West Coast so what’s your fave Sublime song/album?

Although the self-titled album often is recognized as the most popular, I have to say it truly is an amazing display of song writing and I would have to agree it is my personal favorite. I like every song on the album but Jailhouse is my fav.

What can we expect from Rebelution in the future?

You can expect a lot of genre bending songs. At least that’s what we’re going for. People often think about music as infinite. In other words there are so many possibilities to make a song that it demonstrates music as endless. The key thing for me lately is by thinking the exact opposite. I imagine that everything has been done before except one thing, one song. I try my hardest to indulge myself in that one song and when it’s done, I go to the next one. Although music to me IS endless, I go by this philosophy so that I work hard.

Which is the best way for fans to get hold of your music?

The best way for people to get a hold of our music is iTunes. You can also purchase our CD at cdbaby.com

If you don’t have a computer you can purchase our CD at one of our live shows!

Bragg, a folk singer with a  social conscience like no other, has been playing his unique brand of music and inspiring fans for over 20 years now.

The hope for a better more equal world stills burns strong and Bragg now has a new target in his sights.

The bankers, at 84% government owned, Royal Bank of Scotland are feeling Bragg’s wrath as he threatens to withhold his taxes in protest at the large bonuses they have planned.

Bragg said: “We have a short window of opportunity between now and 31 January, but the two main political parties don’t seem to be interested.

“This is a frustration borne out of a sense of powerlessness in the face of the bonus culture. I don’t know what else to do.”

Whether this protest has any bearing the government’s decison to place a limit on bonuses remains to be seen but you have to respect a man who is prepared not only to have such convictions but act on them.

Check out his classic song A New England and also Bragg himself talking about the bankers.

With influences ranging from Bob Marley, Steel Purse and Pete Tosh Tribal Seeds are creating a positive and irie vibe for all reggae fans.

With two albums and an EP under their belt, Tribal Seeds will continue to tour extensively so make sure to check them out when they hit your town.

This video showcases the superb Beautiful Mysterious with a Bob Marley cover thrown in at the end. Enjoy!

I appreciate your music is predominantly Reggae/Dub. Being based on the west coast you must be aware of the Cali music scene that is heavily influenced by Sublime.

Do you consider yourselves part of this scene? Are there any disadvantages to how this scene has evolved?

I grew up listening to Bob Marley, Steel Pulse, and Peter Tosh along with many other reggae legends. I feel like most of our inspiration comes from the roots scene.  It wasn’t until just a few years ago I started listening to Sublime.

I don’t see any disadvantages. The rock/ska reggae style of Sublime and other Cali bands has introduced reggae to a wider audience.

How did the band first come together? I know two of you are brothers but how did the rest of you meet and come to form Tribal Seeds?

My brother and I started `03 met our bassist john through a relative. John joined `04. Carlos (drummer) and Tony (guitarist) found us online. Tony joined `05 and Carlos came in `06.

Who, as a band and individually, are your musical influences?

As I mentioned, I grew up listening to reggae. Now a days I`m influenced by all genres of music.  As a band we listen to everything and draw ideas from all of it.

What was the first record/CD you ever bought?

Think my first CD was Born Jamaicans “kids from foreign”

How do you evolve your songs, from the first idea to the recording studio?

Sometimes we have jam sessions and song ideas come from that, and other times one of us has written some lyrics or has a chord progression or melody in mind and we build on that. Usually record a demo version at home clean it up and go to the studio and knock it out.

Which artists/bands are you currently listening to?

Lately I`ve been listening to the kooks, manu chao. Wu tang, dezarie…. . I`m a new music addict……

What are your future plans? Can we hope for some gigs in the UK?

Hope to have a new CD out early `09. I’m listening to some of our new stuff as I’m typing this. We’re excited about getting this stuff out. Listeners definitely gonna hear some stuff they haven’t heard from us before. Plan to do a lot of touring and yes the UK is a must for us. Hopefully soon….

Tribal Seeds have a new album called The Harvest, the buzz over at the Pier chat board is that it is the Album of the Year so far. Exciting times ahead for the San Deigo based band.

This interview was originally published in September 2008 but I have decided, due to the amount of hits it is receiving, to re-post it.