Sublime with Rome goes for the hits in engaging Musikfest show

Sublime with Rome is known mostly for its Jamaican-style rhythm, but the band mixed in a bit of everything Saturday night at Musikfest's Sands Steel Stage: hip-hop, electronica, grunge, punk, and rock all appeared in the 90-minute set.

Sublime opened with "Smoke Two Joints" and followed with another tribute to marijuana. Singer/guitarist Rome Ramirez had a decal of the leaf on his guitar, and when he was seen on the video on the side of the stage, one could easily see the tattoo on his right arm, which featured Bob Marley smoking.

Along with Ramirez, who joined the group when it reformed after Bradley Nowell died of a heroin overdose just as the band hit big, Sublime with Rome includes original bassist Eric Wilson, drummer Josh Freese, who took over this year for original drummer Bud Gaugh, and a DJ, who was generally unheard but added a few electronic effects.

Sublime with Rome sounds different than the original Sublime. The songs on its only CD, "Yours Truly," are lighter and poppier while retaining the reggae feel. On Saturday the group did songs from that CD, but emphasized the hits of the original Sublime.

The audience of 4,152 sang along to many of the favorites, which included the apocalyptical hip-hop of "April 29, 1992;" the cautionary tale of "Date Rape;" "Doin' Time," which was based around a riff on "Summertime;" the bouncy "Wrong Way," and the anthem-like "What I Got."

Wilson kept a heavy bass line throughout the evening, even on the few times that he switched to keyboards, while Freese was constantly in motion. Ramirez did a few very short solos, but mostly used his guitar to maintain a steady groove.

Ramirez often gave shout-outs to the crowd, like asking if anyone was drunk (positive response) or stoned (yes again). He may have set a Musikfest record for name-checking Bethlehem as he expressed his appreciation for the enthusiasm of the crowd.

Catch 22 opened with a tight 40-minute set of ska, featuring a trumpet, trombone and sax along with guitar, bass, and drums. As befits a ska band, most of the songs were short and punchy. The horn arrangements were varied and thoughtful. All three horn players and the guitarist added vocals, which also enhanced the sound.

Matt Embree, a former member of Catch 22, opened with a half hour, laid back solo set, seated while playing electric guitar with occasional backing tracks. His vocals were powerful and heartfelt, although it would have been nice to hear a whole band on many of his reggae numbers.

Dave Howell is a freelance writer.

Jodi Duckett, editor

jodi.duckett@mcall.com

610-820-6704

Source: http://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-musikfest-review-sublime-with-rome-20120805,0,6873277.story?track=rss

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