NEW SCHOOL DROPOUTS >> BRING BACK SHAKA. CD BABY 2006 Don't come here looking for a national act. Nope, we stayed local with the New School Dropouts. We're talking real local--like "down the street" local or "so close they could drop off a courtesy six-pack after reading this review" local. But it wasn't their proximity or the chance for gratuitous alcohol that landed this act a write-up--it's their energy and growing exposure in the surf industry. For a few years now, NSD has been rocking Central Florida with their rock/ dub sound and earning fans the hard way--one show at a time. Most recently, their music has caught the ear of surf video editors, so don't be surprised if you see the words "New School Dropouts" accompanying the coverage of this year's tropical festivities. But all the buzz in the world is useless for a band until they put out their first album. For NSD, Bring Back Shaka is that release, and it's extremely well-produced and totally enjoyable. The album is reminiscent of early 311--lots of funk, heavy guitar, a few awkward spots, some horn, and dual vocalists, with occasional bits of classic surf music (listen to their instrumental "Monster Hole") thrown in for good measure. But rock remains the foundation, as the band infuses elements of reggae, ska, hip-hop, and many other styles of music. Lyrically, Bring Back Shaka treads a pretty well-beaten path at first (bad relationships, good friendships, life struggles, and enjoying the fun stretches), but then you notice hints of what sound like subtle religious messages scattered in a few of the songs. It's hardly a central theme, but it's worth mentioning, since most bands today either ignore the existence of religion altogether or bludgeon you about the head and neck with their sermon. But like everything else on this album, the Dropouts blend it in with so many other elements, it becomes a part of a bigger, slightly better-drawn picture. By Eric Seeger

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