The Aggrolites - Reggae Hit LA

So that'll be summer then, and what better way to bask in the sunshine than with some rootsy retro righteous reggae skank? The Rancid founded Hellcat Records has proved itself time and time again as a premier label for the best reggae, ska and dub with a punk flavour - far superior to many of Trojan or Soul Record's vault plunderings. LA based Aggrolites defy the Oi splatter-isms of the album's front cover and bring some of the most authentic sounding vibes this side of 1969 Jamaica. Simple hooks and plodding basslines underpin some gloriously squelchy organ that would set feet tapping for anyone with an ounce of humanity in them. Singer Jesse Wagner has a magnificent voice, often rising up into a Screamin' Jay Hawkins/James Brown bark, especially on the pop-tastic Reggae Hit LA, that guarantees the rest of your danceable limbs will follow your feet. Reggae might be simple and repetitive, but everyone needs some sunshine this glorious in their life. [Ali Maloney]