The Lions: The Soulful Architects of Modern Reggae

The Lions are a dynamic American reggae and soul collective from Los Angeles, California, renowned for their authentic revivalist sound. The band achieved critical acclaim with their 2012 album "This Generation," a work celebrated for its meticulous production and seamless fusion of classic reggae rhythms with contemporary soul.

Early career

The band formed in the mid-2000s, rooted in the fertile Los Angeles music scene where members had honed their skills in various funk, soul, and rocksteady projects. Their foundation was built by key figures like guitarist and producer Dan Ubick, who convened a group of versatile session musicians dedicated to the authentic sounds of 1960s and 70s Jamaican music.

This collective ethos led to their 2007 debut album, "The Lions," released on the now-defunct Record Kicks label. The record immediately established their signature style: heavy dub basslines, crisp horns, and smooth vocal harmonies that paid direct homage to the golden era of reggae and rocksteady.

Breakthrough

The Lions' breakthrough arrived in 2012 with their sophomore album, "This Generation," released on the influential Ubiquity Records. The album was a landmark release for the modern reggae scene, praised for its studio craftsmanship and featuring notable guest appearances from legendary Jamaican vocalists like Willie Bobo and Black Shakespeare.

It received extensive airplay on college radio and specialty shows, solidifying their reputation as serious archivists and innovators. The album's success led to increased touring and festival appearances, bringing their vintage sound to a wider, international audience.

Key tracks

This Generation — The title track exemplifies their mission, blending a conscious lyrical message with a perfectly executed classic reggae arrangement.

New Girl — This upbeat rocksteady number showcases the band's impeccable horn section and tight, danceable grooves.

Fire In My Bones — A deep roots reggae cut highlighting their spiritual depth and mastery of dub production techniques.

Lazy Bones — Featuring soulful guest vocals, this track underscores their seamless blend of American soul and Jamaican rhythm.

Jungle Struttin' — An instrumental showcase that highlights the individual virtuosity within the band's cohesive ensemble playing.

Following their breakthrough, The Lions have remained a respected studio force and touring act. They released the album "Soul Riot" in 2016, further exploring the intersections of reggae, funk, and Latin music. Their work is characterized by collaboration, often featuring a rotating cast of vocalists and instrumentalists from the Los Angeles soul and reggae underground.

The band's music appeals to fans of authentic reggae revival and classic soul. For a similar vintage-inspired sound, explore The Expanders, another Los Angeles group dedicated to traditional roots reggae and rocksteady. The soulful delivery and band-centric approach can also be heard in the work of John Brown's Body, known for their modern yet roots-conscious sound. The crossover appeal into instrumental funk is shared by The Budos Band, who also build on a foundation of classic Afrobeat and soul. Finally, for the West Coast soul connection, listen to The California Honeydrops, who blend gospel, jazz, and blues with a similar live energy.

The Lions' rich catalog is a staple on specialty radio formats, including classic reggae FM stations, online roots music streams, and independent music radio stations that champion deep-cut album tracks and vintage sounds. Their music provides essential rhythm for programs dedicated to dub, ska, and soul.

Listeners can discover the timeless sound of The Lions on radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to the reggae and soul stations available on onairium.com to hear their essential tracks and deep cuts in regular rotation.