The fact 'Together Not Apart', Backbeat Soundsystem's debut album is distributed by the American Easy Star Records label of Michael Goldwasser, should not surprise. This nine-piece band from St. Austell in Cornwall has a sound that is halfway between SOJA and Rebelution, making it the most American sounding European reggae band we've encountered to date. 'Together Not Apart' sounds poppy and up-tempo and will absolutely charm fans of aforementioned bands, even though love songs like 'Share With You' or 'Hey Girl' will probably mostly appeal to a younger audience. Interesting is 'Words Are The Weapon' opening with a quote from Dr. James Gilligan (American psychiatrist and author, best known for his work on violent behavior): "If there is one principle I can emphasize, that is the most important principle underlying the prevention of violence, it would be equality. The single most significant factor that affects the rate of violence is the degree or equality or inequality, versus the degree in that society.", the sturdiest and catchiest tune on 'Together Not Apart'. An original touch in the track list is 'I Spy' in which Backbeat Soundsystem plays a lyrical game with the words to the guessing game of the same name. Young promising English reggae band with an American touch.