New reggae rock band is not refusing success It is not too often that a local band builds up steam within a world pumped with cover and tribute bands monopolizing the club scene. But IrieFuse is doing just that — even with a sudden name change from Counter Culture in recent months — its Bay Area fan base has continued to grow. The Marin County-based reggae and rock group is ranked number one on ReverbNation with its grooves compared to artists such as Sublime, Rebelution and Iration. The fresh and original sound can be attributed to its band members: Joe Endoso of Novato, lead vocals and guitar; Ryan Lee of Petaluma, keyboards; Patrick Dwyer of Novato, keyboards; Taylor Stecker of Santa Rosa, lead guitar; Michael Gil of San Rafael, bass; and Scott Bohm of Novato, drums. The bands’ first EP Sun is Rising, to be released in early July, includes tunes such as I On the Prize, Midnight, Search, as well as the titled track. A full album will follow in January 2014. The band’s influence is clearly roots, island and reggae, ska, dub, rock, and hip-hop. Mix that all together and you have that original sound that is IrieFuse. This group of long friends began performing together in 2011. The young group has fast become favorites at local universities as well as the local club scene and farmers markets and festivals. They are scheduled to perform on Sunday, June 9 at the Novato Festival of Art, Wine & Music on the Seventh Street Stage and on June 14th at 5:30 p.m. at the Point Richmond Summer Concert Series. IrieFuse can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @iriefusemusic as well as at iriefusemusic.com.
