The Cliftones/Riptide/Throne Gone Down

It seems that every Ohio city has its own legitimate reggae band these days, like the Cliftones in Cincinnati. Lead singer Diedrich Jones offers a refreshing energy and authenticity to the music that’s not so common in local reggae bands. The group successfully brings fans to their feet with its unique style of dance reggae. The genre can drone at times, but listening to the Cliftones’ music, you can’t help but bob your head and dance along. Jones’ lyrics (because of his thick Jamaican accent, it’s hard to tell exactly what he’s saying) on the song “Hypocritical” address unjust laws and how they hurts impoverished communities. Politics aside, this band is about making you dancing to a funky beat and it certainly has that down to a tee. (William Hoffman)