Album Notes

"Arizona’s RAC's sophomore album, Heavy, has not left my car stereo since getting it a couple of weeks ago. I don't know if the band has been checking out my personal iPod's ‘most played’ lists, but the cross section of music the band delivers here captures all my favorite musical ingredients and styles: groovy reggae, NOFX inspired punk rock, a touch of surf rock and some fun but positive lyrical themes - my favorite being from the track First Mate, “Advancement never came from a group of hateful motherfuckers raining on parades.” So true.

RAC's reggae sound has matured greatly since the band's debut, yet importantly the songs are still fun. It is refreshing to see a band not take itself so seriously, yet maintain such high musical standards. Skip Town and Beach Bungalow feature the band’s heaviest reggae groove’s to date, and the head-bobbing beats of First Mate and Punk in an Unholy Land (featuring the always on point NoNeedz) are the perfect songs for a fast approaching summer.

The re-recordings of miscellaneous tracks like Better Man, Juice and Rebel Eye was a great idea, as each improve on the originals and feature welcome added layers of production. The album's cover featuring an octopus/Sarlacc beast (you know the vagina with teeth thing from Return of the Jedi) is also my favorite artwork of the year and is just another example of how RAC has taken this album to the next level in terms of overall professionalism and production.

Without a doubt, Heavy is the first reggae rock album to be released in 2009 to meet all your musical needs. Given the chance it will serve as the perfect soundtrack for all your skate park visits, trips to the beach and backyard parties."

PHILIPO of THEPIER.ORG