We have begun receiving reviews from our "Better Days" Album, check out the initial responses:

Better Days (Peaks & Valleys, 2007)
Reviewed By:  reggae-reviews.com 03/08

The Devastators' second album builds on the momentum of Frontline with perhaps a pinch more of 

consistency. Lead singer Ivan Garzon has a great, emotive voice -- unusually strong for reggae -- and the music is top-notch, reveling in a throwback roots sound and proudly proclaiming that no drum machines or pitch correction technology was utilized in its recording. Fans of Soldiers of Jah Army and John Brown's Body should definitely take heed to this mix of traditional roots with the accessibility of love songs like "Surrender," "Torture," "Why," and "Last Night." "Been a Long Time" is the only track that really steps outside the reggae genre with an R&B/jazz fusion sound. The lead-off tune, "Find a Way," is the highlight of Better Days; it's a classic in the making, a propulsive jam melding vintage guitar, organ, and melodica with a wicked melody and uplifting message. In fact, the first eight tracks all score, particularly the dark "Land of Woe," the churning title track, the seductive "Surrender" and the swaying groove "Light People" (although at first I thought they were singing "White People," which made me cock my head Scooby Doo-like). Five solid dubs round out the set, headed by "Dub Away," a surprisingly slinky, laid-back version of "Find a Way" that highlights the funky guitar, organ, and melodica mix. But don't believe me; listen for yourself at thedevastators.com.

From Citybeat 3/25/08

The Devastators
Better Days

The best reggae acts usually stick to the basics—slow, steady roots rhythms, lots of echo and lyrics about political uprisings and sultry women. The Devastators understand this and, coupled with their superb musicianship, Better Days is about as good as slick, modern reggae can get. The dub tracks that close the album offer melodica that recalls the ghostly, syrupy sounds of Augustus Pablo, perfect for long summer nights filled with the aroma of kind bud. MS/thedevastators
—Todd Kroviak

You’ve heard one reggae CD, you’ve heard them all, right, not in this case. ‘Better Days’ features 15 tracks of original music, and has taken classic reggae ska rhythms, and instrumental percussions, then adds a fusion of roots reggae, with modern rock & jazz, that grooves conspicuously into the funky beat of this album. The smooth, sweet voice of Ivan Garzon, along with john, Alex, Brian, and the vast array of incredible talent, brought in to create this true work of reggae art. The title tract ‘Better Day’ is a perfect compilation of methodical lyrics, and pulsating instruments, to create this classic; I have to say this is probably my favorite. Well, then there’s ‘Been a Long Time’ seductive, feel good sound, and ‘Dub Away’ has a very cool hypnotic tempo, with the classic DUB sound, best listened to in an altered state of mind, if you know what I mean. Well, two thumbs up for these local guys, with sounds reminiscent of Steel Pulse, you can’t lose. Be sure to check out their web www.thedevastators.com to see where they are playing next, most likely at Longboard’s Grill.  -Leslie Krouse