American Reggae at an All-Time High

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Echo Movement emerged onto the American reggae scene a few years ago with a cult hit "I Think God Smokes Weed." Now, the outspoken humanists from the Jersey Shore (the "real" Jersey Shore, as they say) have landed their new album, Music Played On, at #4 on the iTunes Reggae Chart its opening week.

"We were surprised to see the numbers coming in, to see all the love around us," said lead singer Stephen Fowler.

Recently home from two national tours, New Jersey-based reggae/rock outfit Echo Movement will be performing at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park on Saturday, November 19 at 7:30.

In addition to love, Music Played On is drenched in philosophy, social issues and metaphysics.  If those sound like boring subjects, try hearing them discussed over reggae.

"Marshall Mcluhan famously said 'the medium is the message,' and our medium is reggae-inspired music. Our messages might be complex, but they'll always assume the simple manners of reggae," said David Fowler, Stephen's brother, keyboardist and Echo's main songwriter.

Echo Movement has toured the US extensively since signing onto their first run with the Vans Warped Tour in 2009. They maintain an unusual closeness with fans.  The band also takes touring as an opportunity to disprove many misconceptions about their Jersey Shore roots.

"Most people think of the Jersey Shore as a bunch of fist-pumping guidos and trashy girls. Nothing could be further from the truth. The local community is full of very normal, warm, intelligent people," said Fowler.

Music Played On is available on iTunes, Amazon MP3 and other digital retailers.