Rusted Root: The Movement

Rusted Root
The Movement
(Shanachie)

The Movement is the seventh studio album from the world-rock band, Rusted Root.

Hailing from Pittsburgh and known for their relentless touring, fans of the band (often called “Root Heads”) have an extremely stripped-down, tribal album on their hands with The Movement. It’s definitely more joyous and fun than their previous album, Stereo Rodeo. But like all Rusted Root albums, it’s chock-full of polyrhythmic beats, an easy-going moral message, and tons of sun-shine (“sun” is mentioned in at least three of the tracks present).

Afro/Caribbean beats shine through on “Cover Me Up” and “In Our Sun.” Retro/funk surrounds opening track “Monkey Pants” and “Fossil Man” is the album’s soft ballad. “Up and All Around” is one of the more rocking tracks on the album, especially the included live version.

Overall, The Movement marks the return of Rusted Root to, well, their roots, but with a more ethnic twist.