The sandy shores and clear water of Hawaii, the home state of the six members of Iration, help to bring life and inspiration to the band’s unique, reggae-rock blend.
“I would describe it as feel-good music,” bassist Adam Taylor said. “It’s all around you and fits the lifestyle well, so it was natural for us to get into it.”
Some of the guys have known each other since childhood, but all eventually met and formed the group on the largest island of Hawaii during their high school days. Taylor said they choose the name Iration, a Jamaican slang term for the word “creation,” as a testament to their goal of creating new forms of reggae music. Taking cues from genre legend Bob
Marley, as well as other acts like Black Uhuru, Steel Pulse and The Beatles, Iration forged its own sound, mixing elements of reggae, rock and pop.
“I think Micah (Pueschel, guitar) and Kai (Rediske, percussion) are inspired by their experiences,” Taylor said. “Where we come from, where we live and our travels definitely play a big part in the process.”
I would describe it as feel-good music.
—Adam Taylor
The band released its first full-length album, “No Time for Rest,” in 2007; a four-song EP, “Sample This,” followed in 2008, debuting at No. 3 on iTunes’ worldwide reggae charts.
Its third effort, “Time Bomb,” released last March, shot to the top of the reggae music charts, hitting No. 1 on iTunes and debuting at No. 2 on Billboard’s reggae album chart.
“We were so stoked,” Taylor said.
“We feel really blessed that people have really supported us and that our hard work is paying off for us.”
The success of “Time Bomb,” he said, has helped the group to hone a studio routine allowing them to create music more efficiently.
Iration unleashed its third EP last month. “Fresh Grounds” deviates from the band’s past work in that elements of various styles, from jazz to acoustic to rock, are clearly evident.
“Our first record was a lot closer to traditional roots reggae, whereas our recent albums have more of a pop/ rock feel,” Taylor said. “I like (the song) ‘Can’t Wait,’ because it’s a different style for us and definitely out of our comfort zone. I’m really happy with the way it came out.”
And although it’s too early to tell, he said, there’s a possibility the band will release a live CD or DVD. Speaking of, Iration plays Saturday at The Conservatory.
“Our live show has a lot of energy,” Taylor said. “Playing for our fans is our favorite part of being musicians. We have a lot of fun up there.”
