These Roots Go Way Down

These days, it's rare to find a new reggae act that embodies the genre's traditional roots. But such is the case with Rootz Underground, a six-man band formed ten years ago out of "di yard" — Jamaica. They not only sound right but act right, singing conscious lyrics of justice...

By Esther Park

September 10, 2009

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These days, it's rare to find a new reggae act that embodies the genre's traditional roots. But such is the case with Rootz Underground, a six-man band formed ten years ago out of "di yard" — Jamaica. They not only sound right but act right, singing conscious lyrics of justice and peace and matching them with heavy, heavy bass lines and pop-driven hooks.

Rootz Underground's 2008 debut album, Movement, garnered much praise on the international reggae scene, establishing them as a definitive new cross-genre and cross-generational Jamaican group. And now, fresh from a sold-out West Coast tour, Rootz graces South Florida with a high-octane rebel-rocker performance at Pulp Live.

It's a sweet treat, as their last show down here was more than a year ago. Don't expect too many mellow hippie singalongs, though, as Rootz can often be more Bad Brains than Bob Marley. So bring the weed and the Red Bull, and let the riddim hit ya.
Wed., Sept. 16, 9 p.m., 2009

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