Iration – Fresh Grounds

Review by Michael Cotton

EPs are difficult for fans to embrace, they are obviously not quite an album and you can often be left wanting more or perhaps wondering if the tracks thrown together are simply songs which didn’t quite make the cut for a full album.

With Iration this has never been the case, you get the sense they see value in EPs and view them as a way to connect with fans and also to experiment slightly with their sound.

Fresh Grounds, the new EP by Iration is the band’s third such offering, and it opens with the track Can’t Wait.

You are immediately hit with a heavier sound than we are used to hearing from Iration, the guitar is at the fore throughout the track but, as with many Iration songs, it’s the vocals which make this track work. The smoothness of Micah’s voice is what makes Iration stand out from the crowded reggae-rock scene.

All this Time starts in a similar fashion to Can’t Wait – it roars through the opening 30 seconds or so before mellowing out.

Summer Nights is the type of song which we have come to expect from Iration, a song which retains the pop sensibilities of the group. A tune which whisks you away to a faraway beach where a group of friends are just chilling as the sun goes down, the bonfire is lit and the beers are being passed around.

Parts of Fresh Grounds hint at a slightly heavier, rougher approach from Iration but the standout tracks are the ones which retain the chill pop-reggae sound.

Overall, the Hawaii boys, now residing in Santa Barbra, continue to impress on their musical journey with another admirable release.

By Michael Cotton

Click here to purchase the album

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With a new EP that is sure to bring pleasure to the ears, Iration has another great group of songs under their belts. The 5 song EP titled, Fresh Grounds, stays true to their mastered soft- rock reggae style, but also adds a touch of ska rhythm to the first track “Can’t Wait.”

This song is brutally catchy, and on the verge of being stuck in my head, even while I sleep! (Did Justin Bieber’s songwriters get on this EP?)

Probably the most interesting song as far as synth’s go, is “All This Time.”  This track comes on strong with a heavy guitar lick, (with heavy distortion of course) and somehow morphs into an airy synth tune, worthy of a spot on an Owl City album. The transitions are flawless and connect the distorted guitar with the delicate synth in a delightful way. It was a nice surprise, and it doesn’t throw off the song, in fact, it makes the song.

Acoustic guitar picking leads the listener into a story of what everyone dreads, getting dumped. But this song isn’t just about getting dumped, but about getting dumped without any notice. “No Letter,” is the title and is also what the singer is lacking. Deep confusion plays as the theme for the song. It asks the question so many have in the past, “Why does someone leave when you’ve treated them so well?” The search for that answer might be out of our reach, but identifying with this song definitely isn’t.

Now, there are two more songs that are definitely worth listening to, but I’ll leave that up to you. Go and check out the new EP, it’s worth the couple bucks, and more. Here’s why:

This EP has picked apart the best pieces you would find in a full-length album, without condensing any talent. The heartfelt acoustic song, upbeat catchy and inspirational tune, the heavier rock tracks are in a perfect marriage in the Fresh Grounds EP. The boys if Iration did a spectacular job at fitting all those different moods in a simple melody of tracks. If you don’t believe me, listen for yourself, it just might have you singing “Can’t Wait,” before you’re full awake.

Now, what about a full-length album guys? Don’t leave the fans hangin’!

Yours truly,

Melissa

Iration - Fresh Grounds EP - 2011

(Reggae/Rock/Pop)

Who else but the guys from Iration could ease you into your seat and take you away from this miserable winter to the sunny beaches of Hawaii. The Fresh Grounds EP is their first release after their infectious album Time Bomb that was a top 10 album on Hillydilly.com for 2010. Their sound has taken off since the Sample This EP and still continues the same winning formula for another EP full of feel good reggae music. Iration are self proclaimed "nice guys" but trust me these dudes ain't finishing last in anything. Grab this EP from the link above and stream my favorite songs from the EP below