Georgia band Passafire is influenced by several distinct styles of music, combining them to create their sound. The band’s album, Submersible, released on Law Records, has elements of reggae and rock, and manages to blend the two styles nicely.
"When writing songs,†we†wanted to make it reggae music, but also make it sound progressive, because a lot of bands do reggae and rock and mix them, but I feel Passafire is pushing the boundaries of genres," keyboardist Adam Willis said. "It lets people know that you can†do a lot with that combination,"
The first song on the album, "Divide," exemplifies that combination. Ted Bowne sings in the first verse, "All I really need is just some room to breathe / Some space to separate what has been conceived / They say we’re making our way, our way to an early grave / With some dues to pay, and resolution seems so far away"
Interestingly, there is a divide in the styles of this song’s production as well. During the verses, the vibe is that of a vintage reggae song, but the chorus features louder drums and guitars than accompany your typical rock song. This†song is one†that stands out on Submersible.
Rather than make every song in this style, which would have been repetitive, Passafire changes the formula, such as on "Bell Jar." The elements of reggae are subtler, and for the most part this is almost strictly a†rock song featuring memorable quotes. "Keep on telling yourself it’s not true / Keep on telling yourself it’s you / Eyes can be fooled only so long / With repetition of fiction," Bowen sings.
Passafire finds even more ways to blend reggae and rock, such as on another one of the best songs of the album, "Fix Again." The simple melody is that of a reggae song, yet it is played with a guitar, and the loud rock-style drums are also present. The storytelling in the song’s verses is great, and the chorus, which features an echo effect,†is simple but memorable: "You’re feeling good now / Cause you’ve got your fix again."
The great storytelling continues on "Ghost Man," which features a continuous narrative throughout. The production is nice as well and reminiscent of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Passafire wins with this album because it finds different ways to write music in the reggae-rock style instead of producing repetitive numbers. Submersible also features many songs that are conducive to being played live, which suggests they put on a great show.
