Shrub Is Back… To Earth

Jason Hanney

5 years ago

Ohio based reggae band Shrub is back! For the first time in over six years, Jay Shrub and Blaine Dillinger (guitarist for the band Hirie) have joined forces. This time they brought us a brand new album, Back to Earth. It was released on Friday, May 15th, 2020. We got an early listen here at Dance Your Face Off, with the chance to review the album as well as interview Shrub about the latest release.

From the second I pressed play, I felt my smile begin to curl up like the Grinch from the animated Christmas special. As the lyrics from the first track “Shrub Love” began, I quickly realized that the song is composed as a sort of homage to reggae. Although it tells a story, it does so with the use of reggae band names. This only made my smile grow larger. As the tracks from Back to Earth rolled on, I realized I was still smiling. I paused the music and stopped to think to myself, when was the last time an album made me feel this way? It had been awhile since I found myself glued to the headphones, waiting for the next lyric, or that deep bass drop that drives through your soul. The album is well rounded with a mix of both old school reggae vibes, as well some electronic undertones that you hear in some of the newer stuff coming out. Back to Earth consists of great melodies, shredding guitar solos, solid bass lines, beats, and strong lyrics. This album is sure to quickly make it’s way into your summer playlist. Make sure to give this one a listen, like, and share, you won’t be disappointed!

Interview With Jay Shrub

Mitchy Dread – What is the inspiration behind the album name Back To Earth?

Jay Shrub – Back to Earth is about turning my figurative spaceship around and heading back home. Over the past 3 years, Shrub took a hiatus from touring and performing. Really felt like I was lost in some vast empty void. Feelings of isolation. Feeling disconnected from the people that were once closest to me. Luckily, I landed on my feet again. This album tells that story.

MD – What brought you and Blaine back together after all these years?

JS – Blaine and I have a mutual trust and respect that is unbreakable. From the moment we first connected, we understood and believed in each other… both musically and personally. That brotherhood is ultimately what makes it so easy to work with him. Like I said earlier, Shrub had disbanded a few years back, but Blaine was the one guy who was there to scrape me off the floor. That dude is truly a rockstar. He convinced me to dust off the cleats and get back in the game.

MD – Which track on the album means the most to you or was the most fun to put together?

JS – The funnest song to record on this album was definitely “Shrub Love”. Blaine had this track in the vaults for quite awhile; and he sent it to me very early in the process. I kept putting it off because I simply needed some creative motivation. I needed a story to tell. One day I started thinking about all of the bands that I love and the people that I’ve met in this music business; these lyrics and this song pays homage to them. That’s what we call “Shrub Love”.

MD – What do you hope fans take away from this new album?

JS – I hope the old school fans vibe with this new evolution of Shrub. They’ve been with us since the beginning, and their energy means the world to me. As for new fans who may not have heard of us before, I hope they feel the sincerity of these songs. There’s an underlying message of hope that I think resonates throughout this album. I might be saying some heavy shit, but it’s all about finding that silver lining. When you find that, you’re home again.

MD – Normally when a band drops a new album, they’d tour to promote the new music. With all that’s going on in the world, what’s the plan for Shrub going forward?

JS – We’re going to enjoy the moment. Celebrate the release with a nice joint or three and probably daydream of hanging out with all of y’all again soon. I have a feeling there will be some live streams coming soon, so make sure you link up.

*Blaine Dillinger of Hirie at The Strand in RI*

Back To Earth will truly have you feeling all the feels. From the strong messages of peace, love, and unity; to overcoming inner struggles and still achieving your goals. It will have you questioning love (and potentially finding it in ganja). Most importantly though, it’s just a great album to help us all escape from this pandemic for a bit while we’re mostly limited to our homes. Check below for the latest news and updates on Shrub!

Mitchy Dread

Staff Writer

Dance Your Face Off

Shrub – Website – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – Youtube – Spotify – Apple Music

Interview With Jay Shrub

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