Alternative reggae band Oogee Wawa has made a name for themselves by combining positive vibes with music to start the party. Always pushing for new ground between genre barriers, the five-piece from Long Island twists traditional reggae on its head with elements of pop, punk rock and hip hop to get their unique, yet infectious sound… as well as the crowd dancing. Since their formation in 2008, Oogee Wawa has grown to be a standard in the east coast reggae scene, sky-rocketing to the top after their debut LP Ride Waves hit digital outlets in 2012. As a result, the band has toured with the biggest names in the business ever since – even being described as ‘touraholics’ for their 200+ performances per year since 2013. With this go-getter attitude, catchy tracks, and a thriving fanbase, it’s no wonder that Oogee Wawa is growing to be one of the biggest up-and-coming acts in American reggae.
Oogee Wawa has grown to be a standard in the east coast reggae scene
2016 has been a big year for the band, with new music coming out after a hefty hiatus that followed their inaugural album. This summer in particular is what Oogee Wawa is targeting, with a track being released every month! The first in the series was “Palm Trees” – an invigorating track about the importance of optimism. No matter where you are, what you have going on in your life, or what time of year it is, always try to remain positive, for “there’s no time to feel low!” Like palm trees towering over you in a tropical paradise, you have to escape your troubles in your mind rather than dwell on them. Surrounding yourself with negativity doesn’t benefit anyone, and the more you obsess over things you can’t change, the more you withdraw from those around you. Oogee Wawa encourages everyone to “grow together”, to plant your own palm trees in your mind when there are none to be found. The track features a danceable beat, a subtle bubble organ, and hip-hoppy lyrics delivered over smooth horns; if you were to envision the perfect island existence, this track takes you at least halfway! The electro breakdown in the bridge is the most intriguing, with psychedelic sound effects similar to those signature of the late 1960s surf rock era. Kawabunga, Hakuna Matata, Oogee Wawa.
The second single in the band’s summer series, “Finding Fame”, is soon to be released in August and features punk rock members of Bumpin’ Uglies! From reggae to rock, Oogee Wawa certainly has a wide musical prowess and they aren’t afraid to show it off. The band is currently in the middle of an east coast tour: mainly sticking to their home state of New York, but also branching out to Philadelphia for a night as well as South Carolina’s Irie Vibes Music Festival on August 20th and 21st. For more of Oogee Wawa, visit www.oogeewawa.com and look for more singles to come soon!
Preview and download “Palm Trees” on
Track listing
- Palm Trees
Oogee Wawa “Palm Trees” teaser
Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Release Date: July 1, 2016 • Copyright: 2016 Rebel Sound Records
Share this article
or
Disclaimer: All views presented in this album review are those of the reviewer and not necessarily those of Top Shelf Music.
Get music updates in your inbox