Fifteen years into an effervescent career, California reggae band and touring juggernaut Rebelution remains ridiculously creative. Its members – singer/guitarist/lyricist Eric Rachmany, keyboardist Rory Carey, drummer Wesley Finley, and bassist Marley D. Williams – are as focused and committed as they are easygoing and laid-back.

Formed in Isla Vista, California, in 2004 when a group of college friends discovered their mutual love for reggae, Rebelution has expanded on its Jamaican-inspired sound with its latest album, 2018’s Free Rein. The band’s newest tracks draw on influences from soul, rhythm & blues and folk.

“A lot of this album has to do with being comfortable in your own skin,” Rachmany says.“ In (the song) ‘Take On Anything,’ for example, what I’m trying to get across is that it’s OK to be different, different is actually a beautiful thing — if you’re comfortable in your own skin every single day then you really can take on anything.”

“Celebrate,” the new album’s opening track, nods to the classic Rebelution sound. It has special meaning for the band too. In their long months on the road they’ve met fans with health struggles who’ve said that their music has helped them get through tough times. An energizing shout-out to one and all, the song celebrates the oneness of artist and audience.

“Patience,” a reggae-R&B hybrid, is another hymn to human connection, a haunting message from the well of romantic love:

Other tracks take a wider perspective. “City Life” is one that hits home for Rachmany.

“There are moments,” he says, speaking for urban dwellers everywhere, “when I just want to get out and find some solitude and find the beauty of mother nature.” The up-tempo groove conveys the positive energy of this universal desire.

Rebelution is joined on their Good Vibes Summer Tour 2019 with special guests Collie Buddz, Durand Jones &The Indications and DJ Mackle. Born in New Orleans and raised in Bermuda, Collie Buddz has collaborated with an all-star lineup that includes Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes and Major Lazer. Durand Jones & The Indicators are an old school soul rival group with roots along the Mississippi.