REVIEWS

"...an a very adventurous production featuring the one Shayna Dread - who's plea for tolerance - are falling on deaf ears around the world as the youth are forced to fight for basic human rights. Shayna's vocal style is something new and its the same with the rhythm. The message is vital. Forward." - Small Axe in the UK reviewing The 12" Vinyl by Shayna Dread Featuring "Don't Fight The Youth" & Dub  // 08.01.13 //

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"The insistent haunt of Shayna Dread’s “Fire Is Burning” creeps like The Specials’ “Ghost Town”; the Chrissie Hynde smoke of her voice would sound seductive were her message not so foreboding." - Examiner.com  // 07.25.13 //

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"... We Roots, a terrific compilation of female artists who've helped make the So Cal reggae scene what it is. Foster had a hand in writing all the songs as well, and a nice lot they are. First up is Zema, who was fixture in L.A. reggae before relocating to Jamaica. Her song "Rock Steady" is an instant grabber, with a riddim suggestive of the post-ska era the title bespeaks and a bounce that practically dares you not to dance. The title track comes courtesy of Universal Speakers, a duo whose reggae/dancehall offering is as conscious as it is infectious. Queen P, who formerly fronted revivalist ska band Ocean 11, is both sweet and authoritative on "Love Sees All" while Jessica Burks mixes twangy Heartland inflection with California cool on "Hollywood Sign" and "Ride All Night." Shayna Dread (a radio cohort of Foster's) contributes cautionary pieces "Don't Fight the Youth" and "Fire is Burning," and Jordan Mercedes' "The Sun is Gonna Shine" wraps it all up over a mixture of reggae pulse and tuba-punctuated good wishes. Every song except that last one is followed by a dub version, so we also get to hear the nuances of what lies beneath these fine tunes and taste the skills of the players who created them, a mainly Californian crew who know their stuff in spades. Very high marks to all the ladies (and gentlemen) involved in the making of We Roots. Y'all rock, and so does the music." - Tom Orr, Jammin' Reggae Archives http://niceup.com/reviews/reviews.html // 12.17.12 //