Finding new music is something any avid music lover lives for. These small groups of music enthusiasts are often spending hundreds of hours online downloading and listening to new tracks every month, or spending many late nights weekly at local clubs or lounges listening to bands that are all trying to make something of their music. Sometimes it’s hit or miss, and a lot of the time it’s simply just the neighborhood garage band getting free stage time. Every once in a while though you’ll find a not so average sound - a band that grabs your attention, puts it in a head-lock and won’t let go. This is when you know you’ve found the next big thing. A group that sends its message loud and clear through a medium that moves everyone in a venue with a sound that is so unique that the hooks will keep playing on and on in your head for weeks to come. I recently stumbled across such a group. A group of four emcees that have visible chemistry while performing and not only can they rock while on the stage, they have a unique and identifiable message to all. The message can be summed up as “One Soul,” and the group: 40831.

For the non-Nor-Cal folks, 408 is the area code for San Jose, CA, and 831 is Santa Cruz. The group consists of four emcees, E-Sik and Harmonize hailing out of San Jose, with Chiefa and BBT out of Santa Cruz. Each emcee brings a dynamic to the core that only they can provide. On the surface you might initially classify them as a reggae band, or hip hop group, but if you ask the group specifically, they have their own classification of sound. A self-claimed, “One Soul,” sound. Each track they put out has the same “One Soul” message. Harmonize describes their message and music as “…a positive vibe for positive people.” Music for the masses, perhaps…music for positive people, absolutely. They are on a mission to create a “One Soul Universe.” Each and every time they perform their goal is to bring out positive vibes and uplift souls. The positive message the group puts out is rare to hear in this genre, which makes their sound new and that much more refreshing.

When on stage you can tell that each member of the group truly loves their music and more importantly they each display the obvious passion for their “One Soul” message. Melodic guitar riffs and hard baselines compliment each of their smooth flowing styles and you can’t help but not to automatically bob your head to the beat. Their stage presence is infectious and always leaves the crowd chanting “One Soul, One Soul,” as they make their exit. They have recently opened up for Digital Underground and I have no doubt that in the near future 40831 will be just as big. I certainly wouldn’t want to be the band playing after 40831.

Their debut album titled, “Bridging the Gap,” is set to release May 26, 2007. This album has a collaboration of several heavy weight Nor Cal producers, such as Audio Vision, DJ 11:11, Nima Fadavi and Davis S, all helping 40831 get their message of “One Soul” across. They’ll be busy this summer touring the West Coast, but you can always check out the duo of E-sik and Harmonize who run an open mic night in downtown San Jose, called the “Cypher.” For more information about the band and to listen to their music yourself, check them out at www.ijamr.com/40831music.

Watch closely, this unique style will revolutionize the hip hop scene. This album is truly all you will need to uplift your mind, body and spirit. Now is the time - the time to join the One Soul Universe.