Dubbest (pronounced duh-best) formed in a small town outside of Boston in 2009. They relocated to San Diego in 2016. The leader singer, Ryan Thaxter, is more clean cut that a typical lead for a reggae band. However, all doubts disappear as soon as he begins singing.

Early in their set, they play “Better with Words” from their 2019 album, Gold Fever. “Try to keep my composure, feel me losing it over and over. Try to speak, but I wish I was better with words.” This is a beautiful reggae song about stumbling with speaking in front of a romantic interest. It’s their most popular song on Spotify with almost 600,000 streams.

They also play many songs from their 2015 album, Light Flashes. One of those songs is “Spend the Day”. This track features such a smooth reggae groove as Thaxter sings “Maybe come for the evening, and tomorrow we can spend the day.” Everyone was swaying along to the music.  

Their short set was only 30 minutes and definitely left the audience wanting more. See a recent setlist here.

Cost of a ticket: $30

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It +

Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Half Price > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Quinn Delaney

Also, Kash’d Out followed with a great set. Check out our past review of them here.