Imagine you just hopped in the van to hit the beach, or the springs, and are jonesin’ for some reggae psychedelic jam rock. DBR is music for the way there.
Dog Beach Rebels takes a unique approach to ska punk and reggae fusion while staying true to the formulas set by predecessors like Sublime, 311, and Rebelution. You’ll work up your pulse to sweltering bass lines and booty-shakin’ percussion that hearkens back to Meters while also dropping hints of modern west coast reggae with an Austin vibe. Their signature blend of ‘70s funk balanced out with DIY punk mentality, minimalist roots reggae, Peter Tosh-esque social commentary, and even some brushes of 90's hip-hop breeds a pack of infectious tunes.
Austin five-piece Dog Beach Rebels joined up in 2018, brought together over a mutual love of reggae. Drummer Charlie Fountain laid the foundation for DBR after finding guitarist-vocalist Tyler Rusin through Reddit, and sparks flew right away with their initial jam sessions.
Rusin then recruited guitarist Milton Hein, whom he’d worked with previously in various projects, and Milt’s vocal prowess allowed Rusin to share vocal duties on lead and harmony. They found bassist Brice sitting in at local club Flamingo Cantina’s jam night. This rounded out the band with Brice’s tasty bass playing, Charlie’s funky New Orleans drumming, Tyler’s skanky guitar and worldly lyrics, and Milt’s psychedelic, aquatic aesthetic. The band recently brought in Fitz for some keys flavor and backup vocals as well. Thanks to an amazingly supportive friend group Dog Beach Rebels shows were a hit right from the start.
The band made a splash in October 2020 with their debut EP Take Sides, garnering a feature as KUTX song of the day. They quickly returned to the studio, and released two singles; Lawman’s Daughter and Numbers, which have generated more and more local radio play. A live recording through the sound system of One2One bar preceded a 5 month weekly residency that gave fans a true taste of the band's evolving 2021 sound.
Dog Beach Rebels have stayed busy through these tumultuous times, writing new material and continuing to play shows and build a fanbase around Central Texas.
November 2022 saw the release of DBR's latest efforts in new music, with the release of an EP "Just Enough" we had many events to celebrate the moment with a video release on Fox Morning show, song of the day on KUTX, an announcement in the Austin Chronicle and a music release show at the Flamingo Cantina on November 11th.
werrew