AFTER a seven-week promotional tour of Europe and the US, reggae band EarthKry is back in Jamaica.

The jaunt — dubbed Survival Tour — which began on July 1 saw the quartet playing at Reggae Jam Festival in Germany, Reggae Geel in Belgium, as well as clubs in the US.

“The tour was great, more than great, actually. Starting from the US in intimate clubs to major festival was something that we were very thankful for. In every city, they welcomed and loved the sound and message, every single venue invited us back,” said drummer Kieron Cunningham.

EarthKry members are former students of Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. In addition to Cunningham, the band comprises keyboard player Phillip McFarlane, bass guitarist Kamardo Blake, and vocalist/guitarist Aldayne Haughton.

“In Europe, it was our first time and we were a little apprehensive at what to expect, and if any reggae fans would know us. Our first show was packed to capacity, and they wouldn’t let us stop. We had to do songs over and over, and they sang along. We really felt the love, I don’t really have the proper words but to say it was amazing,” said Blake.

Haughton said they played to thousands of reggae-loving patrons in Europe.

“We closed night one of Reggae Jam in Germany. This was huge for us, performing to thousands of fans in a place so far from home that we never visited was huge. It was the same feeling at Reggae Geel in Belgium, we played on the main stage. As we were first when we started there was only a small number of patrons. By the time we finished the song the crowd had grown to more than triple capacity, and by mid-set it was packed. The vibes, the love, the welcome was more that we could ask,” he said.

The band is currently promoting its latest project Survival. Released in June, the 12-track set is self-produced.

Survival’s track listing includes Survival System, Philosophy, Move On, Wake Up And Live, and Keep Dreaming.

“We went to Europe in the hopes to plant EarthKry seed, but by the time we got there it was already a small plant. That feeling that our music travelled across the continent was what we aimed. EarthKry was born with a mission to voice the grievances of the downtrodden through the vibrations of their music,” McFarlane added.