Distorted Waves, the duo of Mark Cavanaugh and Preston Lewis, are redefining reggae with their genre-blending soundscape and song structure. Their music, rooted in reggae, explores diverse territories, often merging with rock to create a fresh, invigorating experience.

Their track “Same Story” kicks things off with undeniable reggae vibes, particularly in the verses, but it’s infused with a 90s aura reminiscent of Sublime. The chorus, however, takes a sharp turn into arena rock territory, showcasing the duo’s impressive genre-hopping prowess. The seamless transitions are nothing short of captivating, highlighted by stellar guitar work and cascading vocal harmonies that balance calmness with energy. The result is a unique sound that defies easy categorization.

“Mind Made Up” opens with a metal-tinged fury—intense, fast-paced drums and razor-sharp guitars cut through the mix. Yet, just as you settle into the metal groove, the track shifts into a high-octane reggae/ska section, complete with punk-style vocals that echo Rancid. The final thirty seconds explode with raw, hard-rocking energy, leaving listeners in awe of the duo's versatility.

“Higher Ground” offers another intriguing twist on the reggae genre, challenging easy definition. The bridge stands out, featuring a classic reggae breakdown that transitions into a rap section, a bold move that works seamlessly within the song’s framework.

Distorted Waves are onto something significant here. They’re not just transforming reggae—they’re revitalizing it, crafting something novel and electrifying.

Santa Cruz, California has a legacy almost synonymous with healthy music culture itself. With countless hometown heroes from The Expendables to Good Riddance, so many incredible musical minds have grown up aspiring to play that hometown show at The Catalyst. Emerging from a community that feels primed to keep an ear out for new talent, new project Distorted Waves has made a splash since emerging on the scene last year. With decades of friendship and musical experience between them, the duo of Preston Lewis and Mark Cavanaugh have wasted no time since teaming up on their newest alternative reggae project. Their latest single, a cover of Jimmy Cliff’s “The Harder They Come” adds to their already impressive discography with an energetic yet laid-back ambiance.

Optimistic and uplifting guitar cords punctuated by percussive accompaniment introduce the piece and set the tone for an energetic jam. Quickly taking on a reggae flare with ska influences, the tune and rhythm become more rhythmic as the narrative builds.

As they pay their respects to the source material, the duo makes the choice to contribute a verse from their own minds instead of reciting the lyrics verbatim. In Warhol-esque fashion, they embellish the classic piece with lines such as “We got the people on our side and its one for all, you better recognize that dynasty will fall” imposing their view of rebellion onto the existent message through their own lens.

While the artists come from vastly different backgrounds than the original orator, the message is still delivered with the appropriate tone and respect for the message that doesn’t just pay homage but brings its importance to a new generation.

Written by Nick Gumas

Distorted Waves, the innovative duo formed in 2023 by Mark Cavanaugh and Preston Lewis, are carving out a niche in the music scene with their audacious blend of rock and reggae. Their recent slew of singles offers a tantalizing glimpse into their genre-fusing experimentations. 

Kicking off with “Same Story,” the track melds reggae grooves with distorted rock guitars—an uncommon yet intriguing combination. The reggae foundation, characterized by upward guitar strumming and a tight rhythm section, contrasts with the gritty rock elements, creating a catchy and dynamic experience. The standout feature, however, is the cascading, dreamy vocal lines that elevate the track. 

“Mind Made Up” opens with a metal edge reminiscent of early Metallica, before transitioning into a reggae vibe. While the genres are kept somewhat distinct, the seamless transitions showcase the band’s versatility. The rapid shifts in style are handled deftly, and the vocals shine throughout, adding a layer of cohesiveness to the eclectic sound. 

“Higher Ground” leans heavily into reggae but ventures into jam band territory, offering a plethora of styles within a single track. The song’s complexity might feel overwhelming at times, but it’s a testament to the band’s willingness to experiment. Vocally, the song is a mixed bag, incorporating rapping, singing, and various other techniques, demonstrating the duo’s expansive range. Distorted Waves seems to revel in the challenge of integrating reggae with other genres, often with impressive results. While they excel in blending styles, there’s a lingering curiosity about their potential to merge metal and reggae simultaneously rather than in succession. Overall, Distorted Waves deliver a promising collection of tracks, each brimming with artistic innovation. Their fearless approach to genre-melding deserves applause. Dive into their music and ride the wave of their creative evolution.

Distorted Waves new song, “Imprisonment”, starts more as a mid-tempo reggae tune and then moves about halfway through into a much more fast paced, more ska-ish song. Then it jumps into this lead guitar riff where the one reminds me a bit of Slash’s from Gun’s N’ Roses. Then it flips into a more aggressive pattern that reminds me of an angrier Sublime and then back to more wicked ass guitar slaying.

There is a lot happening in this fucking song. All of it dope.

There’s enough PMA in the lyrics that I think HR would approve.