Courtesy of The Aggrolites
Reggae can be a hit-or-miss genre to nail down well. Yet, if there’s one thing that Los Angeles soul reggae band The Aggrolites has proven since debuting nearly fifteen years ago, it’s that they have the talent and energy to lay down one helluva killer reggae party. Starting off as a backing band for Derrick Morgan onstage as well as in the studio, they were encouraged to develop their own band while still being pursued to back the likes of Phyllis Dillon, Prince Buster and even Tim Armstrong. With a handful of albums already released, showing their abilities to not just play great music but to slide between soul, reggae, and various other forms of Jamaican music, The Aggrolites continue the pace, although more leisurely, with Rugged Road.
The album kicks off with soul reggae tune “Trial and Error,” which is reminiscent of a more tropical feeling of “Police and Thieves” by Junior Murvin with a Hepcat twist by way of Roger Rivas’ organ playing, drummer Alex MacKenzie and the high-pitched Jamaican soul vocals of Jesse Wagner. The band slows things down a pinch on dub track “Enemy Dub,” accentuating the drums and laying down harmonies and reverb on the vocals. Reggae jam “Dreamin’ on Erie” is a delicate balance of sweet guitar solos and Rivas’ skillful key tickling. The Aggrolites pick up the pace on poppy reggae song “Eye of Obarbas” with Rivas’ high-spirited organ playing in the vein of early celebratory Jamaican ska. They really rock out the soul reggae on “The Aggro Band Plays On,” especially between the keys and the dirty guitar playing of Wagner and Ricky Chacon.
The Aggrolites keep the soul reggae groovin’ on “Camel Rock,” with some amazing bass playing laid down by Jeff Roffredo, and accompanied by Rivas on organ. The band keeps it lively on pop reggae tune “In the Cut” with it’s airy keys and light guitar. They keep the pop reggae going on “The Heat,” which, by this point, if you haven’t already wanted to get up and dance, makes you want to. The Aggrolites slow it down a tad with “Complicated Girl,” another reggae track that smacks of Hepcat with a more Caribbean sound thanks to the delightfully soulful harmonies. The record closes out with soul reggae song ”Out of Sight,” which pleasantly relaxes the soul with it’s energetic organ and crisp drum tracks. Rugged Road grabs a hold of listeners from the get go and drives us through gritty hills and mellow valleys while never forgetting its roots of enjoyment that keep us hooked every step of the way.
The Aggrolites play Pub Rock Live in Scottsdale on Friday with Tempe reggae punk rockers Neato and soul reggae skankers Bowcat.
~ Garyn Klasek
