ZOX and Jason Mraz

Today's song is by a band from Rhode Island called ZOX. This band has a very upbeat and fun sound to it What I find so interesting and entertaining about this song is how it has a reggae and rock sound to it! The energy it brings is something I have heard before, but the actual melodies are quite different and brilliant! Now a lot of rock bands today are not necessarily focusing on the reggae specific sound, but the music industry in general is starting to see a reemergence of that Caribbean style sound. And I love that because who doesn't like that chilled out, calm, and bubbly kind of music? Now what sets this band apart from other bands that employ the reggae technique is that the vocals do not necessarily match. I mean, the vocals fit the band and musicality of the group, but at the same time, there is something about these vocals that give this song a more dynamic sound. I guess if you put the music on wave crests, the instrumentals have the vocal wave next to it. But in most other kinds of music, the two waves layer on each other and become one sound. I think what it is with this song is that the vocals are just a hair too high. Only in some parts. Again, most of the song is pretty spot on in terms of auditory enjoyment. But that pitch difference is what really sets this group apart. Most music that is rooted in this genre fusion includes lower pitched vocals. But not ZOX. They are less conventional, and I love that their originality and uniqueness has allowed them to continue giving us that great island theme. Today's instrumental song is a cover of a song by Jason Mraz. This was not the first artist that came to mind when I heard ZOX. Honestly, the first one was The Red Hot Chili Peppers because they both have a distinct but slightly similar sound. And they were the first big band that employed reggae music into their version of alternative rock. The reason I picked Jason Mraz though, is because he defies the expected norm of reggae music. He is a solo artist, but that does not stop him from being a phenomenal singer and performer. He is someone who grabbed onto a little bit of jazz , but a lot of motown and reggae and such as well. The way he uses all these different styles is just amazing, and to hear him vocally cover all of those kinds of music is a treat indeed.That common reggae rock style is something that both ZOX and Jason Mraz share, and it is something that I am starting to hear a lot more of. I hope you enjoy the music and please feel free to comment!