Reggae Done Right

Given our sun-splashed, beachy landscape and huge population of Caribbean expats, you'd think Broward would be crawling with jamtastic live reggae bands. As you probably noticed, it ain't. Aside from the dancehall DJs sequestered away in clubs west of 95 and a few cover acts at cheesy tourist bars, Fourth Dimension is the only island vibe we've got in these parts. Fortunately, the long-standing Sunrise fourpiece comes correct with some serious roots and culture influence. It's also one of the hardest-working bands in South Florida, playing weekly gigs up and down Fort Lauderdale and into Dade and Palm Beach counties. The music is of the "conscious" variety — meaning positive lyrics about personal empowerment and spiritual development. But that doesn't mean the beat lacks bounce: Reflecting its multiculti origins, the band often marries reggae's on-the-downbeat skank with saucy Latin elements and even a little dancehall flavor. Now that sounds like true SoFla style.