TROPIDELIC – ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Tropidelic is a dynamic reggae/ska/funk/hip hop ensemble based out of the east side of Cleveland. The band just released their seventh studio project. This amazing E.P. entitled Flyover Renaissance on the Ineffable Music Group label debuted #2 on the Billboard reggae chart.

Tropidelic’s current line up features founding member Matthew Roads (Guitar/Vocals), Bobby Chronic (Guitar), David Pags (Bass) and Rex Larkman (Drums). Their horn section consists of James Begin ((Trombone/Vocals) and Derek McBryde (Trumpet). Formed in 2008 the group’s last full length album, Here in the Heights, was issued in 2019 also on Ineffable.

Similar to Root Shock and The Skints, it’s really hard to pin Tropidelic to a particular genre. They mash reggae, hip hop and funk into a inventive brand of high energy music. Their sound is constantly vibrant and brash. The musicianship is outstanding with awesome horn flourishes and crisp vocals. Also the songwriting and musical variety is exceptional.

Before I get into Flyover Renaissance I want to say a few words about Here in the Heights. The album is full of really lively and animated tunes. The collaborations on the record fit perfectly with Fishbone and Bumping Uglies to name a few. There are so many good songs but “Snow Country”, “Cali” and “Good Times” are definitely standouts.

Flyover Renaissance continues the remarkable songwriting of Here in the Heights. It just proves the proficiency of Tropidelic with two terrific releases within a year.

The E.P. opens with the potent “Underdog” with its smooth funk back beat and righteous rap. The horn section is in full force and Pags’ bass is thumping. The band blends the whole musical scheme into a glorious explosion of sound. The song focuses on the toils and tribulations of the downtrodden and the fight to carry on. This is a frequent theme for Tropidelic who use their platform to raise up. “Pressure” with The Palmer Squares throws some strapping r&b into their funk soup. The swirling guitar riffs and the backing vocals are absolutely sublime. Again, the band has you groovin’. The song just cranks.

“August” slightly slows down the tempo in a commendable fashion. it creates a very laid back vibe like a sunny Sunday afternoon in the park. The lyrics cry out for redemption and a change to a simpler life with a lost love. “Open Book” with Flobots continues the cool wave. The dual raps of Begin and Roads are odes to the togetherness of the band and the frustrations of always being on the road.

So long to day jobs and clear thoughts

I already don’t remember what I’m talking ’bout

But it’s whatever long as we’re here together

And we’ll tell them that we only stayed in Cleveland for the weather

and later in the chorus

Sometimes I feel hopeless

Sometimes I’m misunderstood

Sometimes I feel broken

But I’ll always be an open book

Throughout, Larikman’s drums are deliciously understated and full of finesse. The jingly guitar fits ideally and the horns are triumphant. Flyover Renaissance finishes with “Money & Time”, a slow boil of a song that shows another side of Tropidelic.

If you put the two Tropidelic 2019 releases together you have a excellent overview of the band. They are strong, exciting and immensely creative.

My one regret is not being able to catch them last month at the Pacific Standard Tavern in New Haven due to covid-19. I was really looking forward to their highly touted live show. Hopefully Tropidelic reschedules sometime soon.

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