Roots of Creation

With a hard-working ethic and an arsenal of upbeat, substantial songs, Roots of Creation have ascended to the top of their profession by putting their fans first and doing business with focus and respect. Writers, DJs, venue owners, and booking agents alike have joined ROC's steadily growing army of fans in heaping praise upon the New Hampshire quartet, and not just for the music - the band has forged a unique connection with their listeners that provides concert attendees with a highly personal experience. They also walk the walk when it comes to social and environmental activism. Having raised money for many causes.

The sound captured on their latest album, Live Vol. 1, is the result of years of absorbing diverse influences into their bedrock of "jam-meets-reggae." The latest style to work its way into the ROC sound comes courtesy in part of new bassist Chris Beam, whose background in electronic/trance music helped facilitate the band's recent shift incorporating lengthier dance-driven explorations, which are still spiked with ROC's own special dub/rock/reggae flavor. Beyond the amazing music contained within, and in keeping with their history of conscious efforts, the album's packaging is 70% post-consumer product recycled cardboard.

There's no better representation of ROC's recently perfected, bigger, badder sound than the fast-paced experience of Live Vol. 1, released by Harmonized Records on June 24th. From addictive reggae pop songs to consciously charged roots rhythms and berzerk electronic improvisations, the grace and precision with which ROC execute their bass-heavy works is overwhelming. Their roots are tinged with rock, their rock brushed with electronica, and they're as likely to dash off into a 10-minute guitar-led groove as they are to perform righteous vocal songs that resonate like the roots-rock classics of old. From the steamy opener "Oh Lord" to the extended jams on "Void" and "Proggae," both favorites from their critically acclaimed Rise Up album, there's an urgency and dedication to perfection unmatched by other live releases.

Besides signing with Harmonized, Roots of Creation's most recent praises came in the form of sponsorship from the well-known outdoor sports company Eastern Mountain Sports, who obviously see a connection between ROC's diverse, active fanbase and their products. In 2007, Rise Up garnered the band a nomination for Best World Music Act at the Boston Music Awards. On top of that, the band have recently found themselves in high-class musical company as they shared stages and audiences with artists such as chart-topping rapper Lupe Fiasco, reggae legends like Culture, The Wailers, Israel Vibration, Pato Banton, Toots, and Yellowman, plus well-known acts from all over the musical map such as Matisyahu, Slightly Stoopid, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, and Melvin Sparks.