The hard chargers in boardriding - skate, surf, or snow - push the limit using combinations of difficult maneuvers. Southern California's World Tribe follow such a line, like a surfer shredding the lip, connecting diverse sounds and influences. Mix Bob Marley floating with a 311 cutback and two ollie airs of Sublime and Tower of Power... And you still ain't got the trick! World Tribe's fusion of Reggae, Rock, and Hip Hop and Funk is gonna knock you out when you take their new CD Element out for a spin. The 11 tracks on Element, recorded at different locations over the course of 1996 and 1997, create a fresh modern mix. The lead track Flow offers a wild ride, juxtaposing the funky cool vocals of Oren against the kinetic rapping of Shag. If you need some radical shredding you gotta drop into 67. World Tribe's old school Reggae roots and sweet horn riffs are stylishly lined up on the live track Jamaica Jamaica. And Mike and Ricky's funk-skank n 'crunch on My Criminal Mind is cool stuff! World Tribe hails from the beach cities of Los Angeles' South Bay, and their name exemplifies the group's varied ethnicity (the band photo illustrates this too, bro). The band, originally formed in high school and continued through college, fittingly found their earliest fans among surfers, snowboarders, end skaters. Bassist Mike Hanel and drummer Oren Avineri form the core of a phat rhythm section that moves effortlessly from a slammin' pocket to a funky groove. Saxman Ernie Munoz adds Jazz nuances to the sound. Guitarist Ricky Guinto (who has built World Tribe an international Internet following) puts out the hard-hitting riffs and Jerry Garcia inspired licks. World Tribe's live appearances are noteworthly, sharing the stage with the likes of No Doubt, Foo Fighters, Third World, Burning Spear, Common Sense, Yellowman, Pato Banton, Run DMC, Eek-A-Mouse, Big Mountain and Ben Harper. Be sure to catch their jamming show when it hits your town.