Rebelation are a 10 piece reggae, ska and rocksteady outfit based in East Anglia, England. The sound is highlighted by a powerful horn section & soulful dual male & female vocalists.
Rebelation was born in late 1994 and their initial sound was heavily influenced by the likes of The Clash, Specials & The Beat, plus Jah Shaka and the other big English dub reggae sound systems of the time.
Through the passage of time and with many line up 'developments,' the sound is more refined and authentic. Their traditional Ska is influenced by the Skatalites and the like. The reggae and rocksteady is influenced by the Treasure Isle and Studio 1 stable of the late sixties/early seventies. That said, the influence of the modern Jamaican sound is present and Rebelation do not consider themselves as a revival or retro band but as a modernist and progressor of the reggae sound.
Rebelation have traveled well over the years mashing up venues in towns and cities not just in the UK but in Europe too, building up a loyal following along the way and putting themselves in the forefront of the well established UK ska scene. Having played at many many festivals including twice headlining the Reggae Stage at the UK’s biggest and longest running free festival ‘Strawberry Fayre’ in Cambridge. Along the way they have played along side bands such as Bad Manners, The Selecter, Snuff, Asian Dub Foundation, Soulwax, Laurel Aitken and Zion Train to name but a few.
Rebelation's first release was "Rebel" EP in 1997, followed by "Steppas" album in 1998 and "Where Is Your Soul" 4 song EP in 1999. All three of these CD's were self-released by the band.
After signing to Do The Dog Music, Rebelation released their second album "Yo Swing Dat Mama" in 2002. In early 2004 their first album "Steppas" was re-released on Do The Dog Music. It features re-mastered tracks and bonus tracks from the "Where Is Your Soul" EP. In October 2005 a 6 track mini album was released on Do the Dog Music entitled ‘Pounds and Pence.’
In April 2007 a full length album ‘State of the Union’ was released on Do the Dog Music – a blistering 12 track album of ska scorchers, rootsy reggae and smooth rocksteady. The most refined and complete Rebelation album yet.
