Texan reggae group Lion Heights is gearing up for the release of their latest album, False Reality, on April 7th. The band’s Outlaw Reggae genre is a reflection of their collective musical interests and inspirations, rejecting attempts to fit in with mainstream Jamaican or Cali Reggae scenes.
The album is the band’s first full-length LP since their 2017 debut, Same Situation, and was recorded at their Tall Sky Studio in Austin. False Reality features live instrumentation and no samples, providing a more personal touch and showcasing the band’s growth in songwriting, vocals, instrumentation, and arrangement.
While Lion Heights is known for their fun-loving tracks, False Reality features a more gritty social commentary theme. The album title track was inspired by the Ferguson riots and its subsequent use of fear as a tactic by the media and police. The album also features tracks like Better Weather, One Night, Ain’t What It Seems, and Life Is Not A Race.
Bassist Dane Foltin explains the inspiration behind the Outlaw Reggae genre, comparing it to Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings’ creation of Outlaw Country as a response to mainstream country music. Lion Heights has opened for respected reggae acts like Lee “Scratch” Perry, Kabaka Pyramid, Jesse Royal, Cocoa Tea, and Arise Roots, among others.
False Reality is an evolution of Lion Heights’ music and a new chapter in their career. With live instrumentation and a more personal touch, the band aims to showcase their unique Outlaw Reggae genre to the world.
Author: World Music Central News Room
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