CONCERT REVIEW: REGGAE NIGHT AT SOUNDCHECK STUDIOS

Joanna Gleason
Jun 16
2 min read

On June 8, 2025, Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke, MA, welcomed The Quasi Kings and Buddahfly. A Reggae-Rock group hailing from the South Shore of Massachusetts, Buddahfly was nominated for 2 Boston Music Awards and a New England Music Award in the past 2 years. It is one of the premier Reggae-Rock acts in the Northeast with a powerful live show performed on stages around the region.

The band is made up of Brandon Lynch (Lead Vox & Guitar), Will Glass (Lead and Rhythm Guitar), Scott Cargill (Drums, DuB and Percussion), Jahmar Davis (Saxophone & Lead Vocals), Jimmy Macdonald (Bass), Bryce Staley (Trombone) and Kelly Emery (Trumpet).

At Soundcheck Studios Buddahfly was terrific with all original music and lots of energy.

At 9:30 p.m. The Quasi Kings as the headliner hit the stage. Formed in Columbus, OH in the spring of 2016, and influenced by reggae bands like The Ark band, The Quasi Kings have established themselves as a vibrant part of the Midwest and East Coast music scene. The band's core members include Brothers Benny Coleman (vocals, bass) and Zach Coleman (Sax, percussion, vocals) and other names such as Dave Freeman (drums), Satch Garlock (keyboards) absent for the night.

In front of an audience - most of them from the South shore-, the group put on a terrific show in Pembroke. The musicians were terrific on stage. The audience enjoyed the vibes.

The band blends elements of reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, soca, and rock to create a unique sound. They have released several notable tracks, including “Real Nice”, which explores themes of balance and personal growth, and “How We Livin,” featuring James Begin from Tropidelic.

Their premier offering, 2018’s Throwaway Culture EP, features catchy hooks, tight vocal harmonies, and a unique blend of reggae, rock, and hip-hop. Their latest album, Eye of the Storm, takes things a step further with songs like “Booze”, a raucous Sabbath inspired tune, and the dubby, horn driven “Cut It Out”. Their live shows are high energy, captivating and ever-evolving. The Quasi Kings have had the privilege to play with the likes of Stick Figure, Sublime, Steel Pulse, Passafire, The Expanders, Tropidelic, Badfish, Fortunate Youth, Third World, Israel Vibration, Dark Star Orchestra & more.

At Soundcheck Studios, The Quasi Kings were fantastic, very different and just happy music. They brought the energy! They were awesome. Everyone in the audience was very mellow and just grooving to the music.