Sublime with Rome

Sublime with Rome is a spin-off band that grew out of Sublime, a band that was at the forefront of the so-called Third Wave ska bands coming out in the '90s, including The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Less Than Jake, and No Doubt. After the early death of Bradley Nowell, the band's creative engine, the remaining members eventually re-formed with singer guitarist Rome Ramirez, under a modified name. Nowell's influence could be felt in the band's first two albums, minus the sharp edges he brought. By their third album, Blessings, the band started to come to its own as Ramirez found his footing. They shifted more towards the reggae side, and stopped trying to re-capture Sublime's ska-punk magic. The songs are more laid-back, the melodies are as catchy as they need to be, and they play with the confidence of a band who has been around the block a few times.