Written by Caleb S Garcia
Edited by William Kimple, VP Talent Development for Universal Television
Full text below:
There are six bootleged songs floating around from this band I was able to get my hands on, (after much digging in the sand mind you) The tunes, with their surf-reggae demeanor, are kick-back and relaxed with a cool party feel. They cruise along with flavor and zest. It’s a smooth jam, a beach party in the sun. Like the crashing waves, the warm sand, and the ocean sunset that the band holds so dear, these reggae rooted tunes have “good times” written all over them.
The Deuces are comparable to Sublime – a band known for their unique blend of ska, reggae, punk, and surf rock. Sublime is often associated with California coastal cities like those in San Diego, Orange County, and Venice Beach, and The Deuces ride the same wave. The OC is a Mecca and birthplace for our surf, ska and reggae, and the 'Double Ds' are keeping that reputation alive. They are a revival of Third Wave Surf-Ska sound which Sublime helped populate in the 1990s. And like their spiritual ancestors, The Deuces are total beach culture. Tank tops, sandals, boards with their beach Betty's in bikinis – beer, BBQs, and shots – this is the Dirty 'D' vibe. These tracks are perfect for a cruise down PCH, and hot summer nights of partying.
Surf-reggae is only half of the recipe. The DD’s root-reggae sound echoes back to reggae godfather Bob Marley. The cannabis-loving, Jamaican music legend brought reggae from the motherland to the West Coast. The Deuces pay tribute to that sound and have even performed as special guest for Marley’s eldest son Ziggy, as well reggae mainstays like The Wailers, The Wailing Souls, Rocky Dawuni, Rootz Underground, and The English Beat.
The Dirty Deuces are a four piece band. Josh Baker is the frontman – a singer-songwriter on lead vocals and lead guitar. On the band’s biggest hit, “Booze Cruise,” Josh sings about finding peace and escaping the trials and tribulations of life. It’s about the journey to excellence and having a blast every step of the way. “Go party on the booze cruise / let the captain get his screw loose,” Josh wants us all to live with a smile, and put our heart out there. It’s clear that the lead singer has stumbled onto a philosophy for happiness– find something you love to do and do it (I strongly recommend you check out this single).
While the guitar moves the melody, it’s the bass that takes the dominate role in this reggae rhyme. Along with providing bass grooves and singing harmonies, Mario Duenas takes the vocal lead on the rockin gem “The Ganja Song.” True to its reggae roots, “The Ganja Song” is about using that magical plant for the ultimate chill time. “Moving to the music, everybody’s grooving to the melody” sings Mario, “Can you feel that rhythm going in your soul, going to your feet?” I believe I can Mr. Duenas, keep the rhythm coming (and the ganja too).
Mario has the heart of a lion. He’s a dynamic presence and anchor to the group. Josh is a born leader and a visionary. He has the passion of a dozen frontmen and lives for the very underground he overtakes one fan at a time. Josh is also the solo-shredder. He provides a signature sound, elevating the good to great. Josh combines reverb, distortion, and delay with mad skill. His solo is blissful on “Ganja,” and a surge of pure ecstasy on “Booze Cruise.”
Andrew Skelton is a slick trick. He’s the musical glue that keeps it all together. He rarely sings but when he jams the electric, his unity with Jake is spot on. Andrew provides the reggae-root backbeat rhythm and drives his guitar with impeccable meter, and he makes it look easy.
The unreleased “Tiki Girl” is a groovy tune and vocal pleasure. It has a wailing drum beat with intricate execution provided by Josh’s brother Jake Baker (who also sings harmony). Jake makes Animal from the Muppets look tame. He’s a wild thing with bounds of high energy and serious talent. If Jake manages a microphone, you can expect crowd pumping raves, or a croud with an angry war cry just short of torches and pitch forks.
Rounding out the archive favorites, “Slipping Away” is a tranquil and slick tune. Like its namesake, the song is great for slipping away; it’s great for love in the sand too. With “Honey On The Beach,” you may get lost in the solo and never return. It’s a new kind of breakup song: cool, calm, and chill. Last but not least, “Bitter Sweet” is more the latter than the former. It’s a groovy mix, an island paradise; you won’t be able to keep still, it makes the body feel alive.
I’ve seen The Dirty Deuces live and they put on a great show. The atmosphere is chill, the drinks are cold, the babes are the world’s finest, and the sound is electrifying. I would have seen more shows but they put on these underground beach party raves about once a month and I can never find them – I’m lucky if I catch the end. They play from San Diego to Santa Cruz and are amassing a huge loyal following. A word to the wise...buy your tix in advance. The last two club shows were sold out. And now, with an upcoming rave-worthy release, these underground juggernauts are ready to conquer the surface, Island Style - Booze Cruise Tour 2012.
Caleb S Garcia
May 10, 2012
