No.92 - ‘IV’, by The Aggrolites (2009)

“Depression swept over the land of no preparation; Searching as much as he can for pure meditation; Tried to find some work, but there’s no work to do; Everything’s gone wrong, and everything is through.…”



As I was walking through HMV, I saw this album out the corner of my eye. Having heard of the band (another ska/reggae act signed to Hellcat Records), but never listened, I purchased ‘IV’ and on first listen, instantly fell in love with it.

A small 4-piece with a big sound! The Aggrolites are a fantastic modern American reggae band, but with a sound more akin to the Harry J. Allstars (famous for their ska classic, ‘The Liquidator’), especially with the hammond organ at the forefront of each song.

Musically, the songs are strong, with a flow and clarity to the instruments. And the lead vocals are full of character and soul. Very catchy, memorable melodies and instrumental riffs, mixing in some funk and soul along with the traditional reggae.

Any album with over 20 songs would struggle to make this list, due to my viewing the albums as a whole. And it shows how fantastic ‘IV’ is. Any fan of old reggae and ska classics - the Maytals, Skatalites, Bob Marley, will absolutely love this album. The mix, with a slightly distorted feel, gives it a vintage vibe also.

The Aggrolites formed in 2002, initially as a backing group for Derrick Morgan. In 2006 they toured the UK with Madness, and the following year, played as the backing band on Tim Armstrong’s solo album, ‘A Poet’s Life’. ‘IV’ was the Aggrolites fourth album, released in 2009. It is released on vinyl, and in my collection is the Galaxy Red & Black re-release.

Favourite songs -  It’s Time To Go, The Sufferer, Gotta Find Someone Better



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