Eastern Sun (Pomponio, 2004)

Pacific Vibrations is an up-and-coming six-piece band whose inviting sound furthers California's roots reggae resurgence.  The group's sound matches their name perfectly: tranquil, mellow, "pacific".  (It's a good thing they aren't from the East Coast; Atlantic Vibrations wouldn't have sounded quite right.)  Their style is so peaceful and tropical, in fact, that I would've guessed they were from Hawaii (a la Ooklah the Moc) if I didn't know better.  Pac Vibes' brand of roots is mainstream-friendly -- blending lovers rock and folk/pop -- but still firmly grounded in a traditional reggae sound.  Traditionalists certainly can't complain about cuts like the funky dub "Pomponio", the swaying "Too Much", and the horn-propelled "Open View".  Granted, reggae purists may be apprehensive about the strumming, folky pop ballads "The Throne's Come Down", "Better Days" and "On My Way", but they really are quite catchy, and they certainly fit into the group's laid-back sound.  As you'd probably guess, Pacific Vibrations' lyrics feature universal messages of peace, love, and understanding; and, like the music, they never get too heavy.  Listening to Eastern Sun is like laying on the beach, sipping a cold drink: easy, refreshing, delicious.