In this day and age everyone has a band, and it’s easy to get lost in the haircuts and the “this–core” and the “postthat” and the long band names that invoke bloody doom, so when a bunch of accomplished musicians get together and use their abilities to craft sun soaked Southern California reggae and laid-back ska, it’s like, “finally, a band that I can just drink beer and dance to.” That band is ELLWOOD. Originally born out of lazy days that Chuck (the golden-voiced singer of the Mad Caddies) and Todd (Mad Caddies original drummer) spent jamming together for fun, ELLWOOD organically matured into a full-fledged band with the addition of friends Dustin (Cherry Poppin’ Daddies) on keys and Graham on bass. The result of this collaboration is Lost In Transition, a nine song album that could aptly be described as a soundtrack to the long, slow, carefree days of the California summer. The synergy amongst the band members is palpable, as each track flows with a natural effortless harmony that is so seamless it almost goes undetected. Lost In Transition takes the most flavorful bits of the Mad Caddies often frenetic sound and hones them into a fluid brand of reggae that immediately entrances the listener. It’s a refreshingly honest album with no agenda other than to be exactly what it is: the product of four friends/musicians riding a groove and imparting their unique perspective. If there’s a better formula for composing a smooth, kick-back, irresistibly catchy reggae/ ska album, we don’t know what it is.

1. The Deal
2. Walking Away
3. Sunshine Garden
4. There She Is
5. Mag Girl
6. Amsterdam Ray
7. Dancin’ Girl
8. Wrong Night
9. Don’t Look Back
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