South Florida-based reggae-rock band Artikal Sound System releases their brand-new album, Welcome to Florida, via Controlled Substance Sound Labs.
Made up of Chris Montague (guitar), Fabian Acuña (bass), Christopher Cope (keys), Adam Kampf (drums), and Logan Rex (vocals), Artikal Sound System recorded the Danny Kalb-produced album at Montague’s home studio, Oceanside Audio, in Boynton Beach, Florida, and Dean Fishback’s Seven Hills Studio in Lauderhill, Florida. Logan Rex laid down vocal tracks at White Star Studio in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Artikal Sound System has shared the stage with Dirty Heads, Common Kings, Eli Mac, Fortunate Youth, The Hip Abduction, The Green, Badfish, Ballyhoo, Bumpin Uglies, Josh Heinrichs, and The Elovaters, along with performing at Reggae Rise Up, Arizona Roots, Summerfest, Dirty Heads Orlando Vacation, Dry Diggings, Reggae in the Rockies, Gasparilla Festival, Summerfest, and California Roots: BAJA Sessions.
Embracing a dozen tracks, entry points on the album include “Stayed,” which opens on soft, gleaming colors backed by a fat, rumbling bassline. Logan’s distinctive, contagious voice – slightly rasping and exotic – imbues the lyrics with intoxicating sonic textures.
“When I Wanna,” featuring Little Stranger, pushes out a sensuous hip-hop vibe blended with hints of reggae.
Talking about “When I Wanna,” Artikal Sound System says, “You can get high on lots of things… This song is less a smoking tune and more about getting high on each other. Weed is just the perfect trap to lay to seduce a lover.”
“Dissolve” rides a smooth yet potent reggae rhythm as dreamy colors sparkle overhead. And as always, Logan’s unique, crème de la crème voice infuses the lyrics with magical timbres. The pop amalgamated with reggae elements of “Pull Me Close,” form a captivating sound capsule, pulsing with heavy, heady coloration.
“You’re An Asshole” is just what the doctor ordered to help anyone get through the doldrums of the post-breakup interlude. Logan’s stellar and luscious delivery of the witty lyrics is spot on.
“You’re an asshole / I mean it in the nicest way possible / I know you think it’s cute but you’re impossible / You sent my heart and soul to the hospital.”
Artikal Sound System has it going on! Welcome to Florida rolls out compelling rhythms and tropical aromas, all capped by the ohh la la voice of Logan Rex.
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