‘Cabin by the Sea’ is the second full length release by the Huntingdon Beach outfit The Dirty Heads, and from the get go the listener is immersed into a world of tranquillity with the sound of waves and seagulls transporting you to the band’s metaphorical paradise. The album exudes good vibes and coolness throughout, and it’s borderline impossible to keep a smile off your face while you’re listening to it.
The sound of The Dirty Heads has fairly obviously been forged from a love of Sublime, but the influences of more modern hip hop have creeped in to great effect. The sound has been shaped by Rock, Reggae, Rap and acoustic guitars – and with hit single ‘Lay me down’ under their belt, the band are on fine form ahead of its release.
Press play and ‘Arrival’ denotes the style of the album. The coolness of front man “Dirty J” Watson rolls over you, and from here it’s all very easy listening and fluid. It’s what gives The Dirty Heads something truly unique, and is what has people coming back for more. In title track ‘Cabin by the sea’, front man Dirty J sings “When the sun goes down, we can start a fire” – this album was built for road trips, beach trips and relaxing, and will remain an endless testament to that for years to come.
If old fans and new listeners weren’t content enough with the band’s own stylings, then a truly stellar line-up of featured artists helps elevate the album further; ‘Your Love’ features Ky-mani Marley and introduces a solid Jamaican vibe, with Ky-mani blending in the sound that is so reminiscent of his late father. After collaborating on ‘Lay me down’ with Sublim With Rome’s Rome Ramirez, the reunion is complete with ‘Mongo Push’ where the funky guitar riffs and flowing lyrics fill the listener up with the sound of 80’s reggae.
The greats of the Rap/Rock/Reggae crossover world have the ability to merge and mould several genres and sounds seamlessly, and The Dirty Heads are true masters of their trade. Sounds of Brazilian carnival and Spanish guitar in ‘Disguise’ roll into the new single ‘Spread too thin’, which conjures up festival vibes and allows the listener’s imagination to be lying flat on its back staring at the clouds in the height of summer.
‘Dance all night’ is blessed with an appearance from Matthew Paul Miller (Matisyahu) who is a legend in blending Jewish themes with reggae, rock and hip-hop beat box. The song boasts an incredibly infectious chorus. From chilling on the beach, to schmoozing a girl, ‘Cabin By The Sea’ is the epitome of summertime good vibes. The Dirty Heads have laid down the gauntlet for those who follow them, and created one of the genre’s best records in years.
DAVID BULL