RINGS

iTunes Review

Sean Bones’ debut shines with sunny, roots reggae-flavored pop, sweet melodies, and slinky hooks. From the ska bounce of “Easy Street” to the Dancehall beat of, appropriately, “Dancehall,” to the breezy and infectious groove of “Visions,” the album is light and relaxed throughout. He’s even joined by Norah Jones on vocals on the tender closer “Turn Them,” the slowest track here. Bones, who goes by Sean Sullivan when playing guitar for the Brooklyn-based band Sam Champion, takes a more straightforward approach than other bands that have incorporated reggae into their sound, notably the Clash or the Police. The retro organ, bass, and melodica sound is offset by Bones’ decidedly un-reggae voice and much of the guitar work, which is closer to indie rock than rock steady, and the combo is fun and highly danceable. Carefree, catchy, and packed with positive vibes, Rings would make a fine soundtrack to summer.