Santa Cruz, California has a legacy almost synonymous with healthy music culture itself. With countless hometown heroes from The Expendables to Good Riddance, so many incredible musical minds have grown up aspiring to play that hometown show at The Catalyst. Emerging from a community that feels primed to keep an ear out for new talent, new project Distorted Waves has made a splash since emerging on the scene last year. With decades of friendship and musical experience between them, the duo of Preston Lewis and Mark Cavanaugh have wasted no time since teaming up on their newest alternative reggae project. Their latest single, a cover of Jimmy Cliff’s “The Harder They Come” adds to their already impressive discography with an energetic yet laid-back ambiance.
Optimistic and uplifting guitar cords punctuated by percussive accompaniment introduce the piece and set the tone for an energetic jam. Quickly taking on a reggae flare with ska influences, the tune and rhythm become more rhythmic as the narrative builds.
As they pay their respects to the source material, the duo makes the choice to contribute a verse from their own minds instead of reciting the lyrics verbatim. In Warhol-esque fashion, they embellish the classic piece with lines such as “We got the people on our side and its one for all, you better recognize that dynasty will fall” imposing their view of rebellion onto the existent message through their own lens.
While the artists come from vastly different backgrounds than the original orator, the message is still delivered with the appropriate tone and respect for the message that doesn’t just pay homage but brings its importance to a new generation.
Written by Nick Gumas
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