The acknowledgement of injustice that deepens some of Rebelution’s stories draws on the roots-reggae tradition that inspired the band in the first place. For every hopeful “Count Me In,” there’s a worldly-wise “Counterfeit Love.” For every message of positivity, as in “More Love” (“You’re in a dream, wake up and now gear up/Come on”), there’s a look at the hard edge of history: “Invasion” recounts the plight of the oppressed as Eric sings, “No time for questions/Don’t ask for reasons/Washed of their faith/Thrown in the fire.” “Every song has a story,” the singer explains matter-of-factly.

The songs on Count Me In show that as they combine ever-youthful energy with a mature perspective. The more experience we had doing this, the more inspired we became.” Said guitarist/singer Eric Rachmany about the band in its decade milestone, “we still have the same energy as we did as a young band, if not more. And while surely every band has its share of stress, Rebelution feels they have been “too blessed” to have much time to worry about it. The California band’s fourth full-length release on its own label 87 Music, and partnering for the first time with Easy Star Records, marks its tenth year together. “Too blessed to be stressed,” is one of many key song lyrics from Rebelution’s new album Count Me In.

New rebelution album 2018