Pressure and Perfect are two blazing meteors into the stratosphere of the new generation of reggae stars. Though both are very different artists, they have shared a great deal of success, but for very different reasons.

Pressure is a significant part of the ongoing Virgin Islands take over of reggae music. His melodic and long-winded singing style is a throwback to reggae superstars of the past. He does not very often engage in idle chatting, or rapping, and concentrates much more on singing praises of the most-high Jah with unsurpassed vocal flexibility.

After bands like Midnight and Dezarie paved the way for other reggae artists from St.Thomas-St. Croix, Virgin Islands, a renaissance of new talent has dominated the scene since the turn of the decade. Pressure, alongside the ranks of NiyoRah, Ras Attitude, Army, Abja, Batch and others, have contributed to the new wave of reggae flooding the U.S. shores.

Pressure, also known as Pressure Buss Pipe, has released two albums since 2005. His debut, “Pressure Is On,” released on Tsuni Records, was an inspired effort and fantastic introduction to the reggae world. The album features Pressure's singing and conscious lyrics that are reminiscent of reggae greats like Sizzla or Turbulence, mixed with the unique island-style rock that popularized Midnight. It's a unique and raw blend of up-tempo anthems, with hip-hop and r & b influences, while staying true to his reggae roots.

His second release, “Love and Affection,” released on the great Don Corleon Records in 2007, is Buss Pipe's finest release to date. Only two years separated from his debut, the album illustrates his immense growth as an artist, and the difference in the mastery of his style is evident. No song more shows his maturation as an artist more than the title track, which is an outstanding showcase of Pressure's immense talent as a singer and wordsmith. His passion overwhelms, as his emotions make a profound impact on this listener; the impact of his words hit the audience as hard as if they were in the vocal booth with him while he sings.

“Let me give you some love and affection, you've got my attention, you need no correction, let Jah pour blessings in your direction, you've got my attention, what an impression,” sings Pressure, in a powerful and romantic fashion over a swinging riddim master-crafted by super-producer Donovan Bennett.

Perfect, another up-and-comer in the ranks of reggae royalty, has one of the most ironic, if not misleading names in reggae. He is making a great impact in reggae recently, but for many different reasons than Pressure.

While Buss Pipe's appeal is very orthodox and appealing to fans of traditional reggae, Perfect made his name for himself through more unconventional means. Though not blessed with the same pipes for singing, Perfect has an undeniable charisma and personality, that when blended with his unique delivery and voice, makes fun and up-beat reggae that moves the listener.

Born in Jamaica, Perfect has released three solo albums -- “Original Kaya King,” “Giddimani” and last year's “Born Dead with Life,” and is planning the drop the upcoming “French Connection” this month. His high-pitched voiced and highly stylized delivery make each album very different from the last, as it seems at times he is still trying to find his comfort zone. But perhaps his greatest attribute is his unpredictability and inability to stick to one style.

”Born Dead with Life” races from between acoustic introductions to classical reggae anthems to dancehall influenced riddims and then back, while spanning many different styles and genres in between. Few artists are able to flow through so many disciplines with such ease and grace and are still able to release and cohesive and enjoyable product.

And some of Perfect's greatest appeal is in the live performance of his material. His energy on stage is contagious, even for the casual fan, dedicating every piece of himself while on stage and involving everyone in attendance from the back of the venue to the front. 

Proper Productions presents Pressure and Perfect Thursday, Nov. 12, at Arcata Theatre Lounge. Doors open at 9 p.m. and tickets are $20 at the door and $15 in advance, available at Morningstar in Arcata, the Works in Arcata and Eureka, Wild Horse Records in Garberville and at This show is 21-and-over, only.