No Better…No Lesser
Hope Massive hosts CD release party at Dragonfly Theater Saturday

By Jeff Eason

Believe it or not, the mountains of North Carolina have an established tradition of turning out great reggae bands. Ras Alan and the Lions and Mark Evangelist and Selah have been cranking out fantastic, Jamaican-style roots rockin’ reggae for the better part of the past two decades.

Since 2004 the High Country’s Hope Massive has been adding to that mountain reggae legacy. Now the band is taking the next step forward by recording some original music through ASU’s Split Rail Records, an offshoot of the School of Music’s new recording facilities. The result of the early stages of that recording is the new EP No Better…No Lesser.

Hope Massive will throw a CD release party at the Dragonfly Theater in Boone on Saturday, December 6th starting at 9 p.m. The bands Major Magick and the Major Sevens will open the show. Admission is $5 per person.

Hope Massive features the musical talents of Justin Butler on vocals, keyboards and guitars, Richard Jones on vocals and percussion, Cullen West on vocals and guitars, Nik Hope on vocals and drums and Ben McPherron on bass.

The members of the band met while attending Appalachian State and working with other musical combos. Once they discovered a mutual love for reggae rhythms, a message of world peace and international music styles, a bond was formed.

The band’s new collection of songs reflects that dedication to a common goal. The songs sound at once fresh and steeped in the traditions of Jamaican dancehall music. The addition of horns on songs such as “No Better…No Lesser” gives the band a sultry ska sound as well.

The band’s previous recordings include Hope Massive, Rootsology, and itany. The band also had a song included on the 2007 anthology The Boone Music Scene.

For the past four years the band has steadily built a large following by touring all over the world. In addition to playing all over the United States, the band recently finished a tour of Japan.

Hope Massive has also connected with other bands through festivals and club shows. They have worked as supporting artists for such groups as The Wailers, Gregory Isaacs, Eek-A-Mouse, Pato Banton, Etta Baker, the Itals and others.

For more information on this Saturday’s CD release party, contact the Dragonfly Theater and Pub at (828) 262-3222.