The American Reggae band released seven full-length albums and one instrumental album, all of which were written and produced by frontman and self-taught multi-instrumentalist Scott Woodruff.
The band has been at the top of the iTunes and Billboard charts for the last three years side by side with Bob Marley. Their latest album Fire And Stone (Prince Fatty presents) is a 9 track release by Ruffwood records. The album consists of dub remixes from the band’s previous albums Set In Stone (2015) and World On Fire (2019).
The album, Fire & Stone (Prince Fatty Presents) by Stick Figures, which has all new instrumentations by Prince Fatty, starts off as smooth as an Elise Kelly morning show. “Weary eyes” sets the tone for the easy skanking California vibes. The dub sounds and saxophone on Shine give the album a Jamaican musical presence.
World On Fire is an easy-going song and by lead singer and producer Scott Woodruff’s admission was originally about the California wildfires. Woodruff wrote, produced and played every instrument himself on the original. He should be given credit for the song’s multilayered lyrics which gives the album depth, but having two remixes for one song on the same album should be illegal.
A trained musician, Woodruff, plays 9 instruments and has clean and clear vocals, but at times he comes over as too light and one dimensional for the reggae baselines.
Slightly Stoopid is one of two guests to appear on the album but his presence is not felt. Collie Buddz slightly raspier tone on Smokin’ Love adds to the album’s vocal range.
Overall the album gets 2.5 out of five stars and would be easier on the ears if it had 7 tracks. It is a privilege project and the standout artist is the saxophonist.
