The Strides

Roots Rock Reggae Revival

By Brett Turner

The glowing embers left behind by the fire of Bob Marley have been steadily stoked over the past 30 years by local acts such as Fat Freddy’s Drop and Blue King Brown. One of the latest groups to keep the fire alive is Sydney’s very own The Strides.

The group propelled themselves into public consciousness in 2009 with the release of their debut, self titled album and a relentless string of live performances including Peats Ridge Festival and The 2010 Darling Harbour Jazz and Blues Festival. This unique ten-piece is so dynamically complex in the layers of its composition that it’s hard to find a single category to pin them in. Instead, strings of words and terms like afro-beats-melodic-dub-hip-hop-jazz-electro-soul are required for use in any just description.

In late February 2011 the group released its second album titled, Reclamation, letting their sound speak for itself, announcing to the world that these guys are the real deal. Not only is the sound on their albums tight and unique, but nothing is lost in their live shows. In fact it’s their live shows where this group’s talent really lays.

The band plays together with the apparent comfort of a group of old pros that will turn an empty dance floor into a packed and vibrant crowd asking for more by the end of their set.

Whether it’s at a large festival such as Peats Ridge or a mid- week free show at The Beach Road Hotel or The Mac one will never walk away from one of The Strides gigs feeling less then righteously satisfied.

At a recent show on the Northern Beaches, The Strides opened up for local band Uncle Jed at the Mona Vale Hotel. Conversely, Uncle Jed recently opened for The Strides at Notes in Newtown but acted as the main draw card for this particular show. While there is no denying the talent of Uncle Jed, who played their set with a larger 7 piece band with a standout performance by the very naturally gifted jazz singer, Laura Stitt, it was clear who the real headliners were.

All through The Strides' impressive set the entire crowd moved with the rhythm and energy transmitted by the band. This well synced group puts the spectacle back into live music and clearly expresses the simple notion that life is all about having fun. With groups like this bounding about the country it’s clear to see why roots rock reggae has never died!

For more information on The Strides visit: www.thestridesband.com

Image courtesy of The Strides