The Eternals, “Out of Proportion” [Antifaz]

Mr. Lucky   8/14/2006   A Library

The Eternals? Out of Proportion is the next wave of reggae’s influence in the States. This Chicago outfit fuses their punk roots with the roots of Jamaica and a post-electronic dub ethos. The results are songs with production that applies the atmospheric techniques of dub, the rhythms of roots and dancehall, electronic organs & samples, dry sifting drums, and lyrics attacking our world’s unjust systems all with a feel that is distinctly American. Keeping with the tradition of reggae the drums and bass play the most important roles in the music, along with the politically charged messages of the songs. But the guitar, organs, samples, and effects have a futuristic electro quality that is more akin to the newer digital production so popular in dancehall reggae, or even glitch but only sparingly. I think the best song on the album is the moody dub of ‘MOAB?, which contains all the strongest elements of their fusion plus Damon Locks? fine vocal, but the whole album is great and is definitely worth a listen. ‘Mr. Lucky