The story of the UK’s First Reggae Band

Harder than the Rock begins with founding member and lead guitarist Locksley Gichie reminiscing about his arrival in England in 1962 from Jamaica, then aged 13. ‘It was cold and misty. There was no sun or blue skies. Everything was grey, dark and dull.’ As a boy, Gichie lived in Montego Bay, so it must have been a massive meteorological and cultural shock to find himself in Harlesden, North London. He loved the sound of the dominant style of music of his homeland – Rocksteady, which had been the successor of ska and a precursor to reggae.

‘Newgrass’ they call it. Flock to the herd, you won’t be disappointed.

The Often Herd transcend the traditional boundaries of bluegrass music. Although they might resemble an American string band, complete with driving energy, tight vocal harmonies and dazzling instrumental interplay, their vibrant, transatlantic sound is deeply coloured by their surroundings; the striking natural and industrial landscapes of Northern England.

Waiting For A Miracle

Generally speaking DBTR does not pay much heed to the nostalgia trend that has ripped through the live music scene like wildfire over recent times. However, there is a mystique and enduring respect attached to the work of Leonard Cohen that manages to engage even the most apprehensive amongst us.