I got a fever and the only cure is more aggro!

Aggrolites "Reggae Hit LA" (hellcat records)


What can you say about the Aggrolites? They have literally set themselves apart by being the most exciting modern reggae band since they released their first album "Dirty Reggae.” The band formed out of a group of studio musicians that already had roots in the west coast reggae scene (check out the Rhythm Doctors and Seespot). 4 years later the band seems destined to be the hardest working/touring reggae outfit in the world. 2 weeks ago Tim Armstrong's solo album was released with the Aggrolites backing Tim on every tune. And now the band's 3rd release "Reggae Hit LA" is their second album on Hellcat Records. Hellcat reached out to ska scene towards the end of the 90's by signing disenfranchised ska bands with higher goals including King Django, the Slackers, and the Pietasters. Hellcat took those bands to newer levels and the Aggrolites are possessed to reach the same and possibly larger audiences.

The band admitted to writing most of this album on the road through their various tours of the US/Europe. But this album is hardly meant to be taken lightly. This album marks the return of original Aggro drummer Korey Horn, who is without a doubt one of the tightest reggae drummers out there. The albums hits you with a surprise from the get-go. The first track "Work It" seems like a Toots/funky reggae number (that could even be on their last album) with a synthesized keyboard melody. "Faster Bullet" proves how much Jesse Wagner has grown as a singer/songwriter. Also a point to mention are the vocal harmonies done throughout this song that really fills in the gaps and make the sound more complete (this is an important and often ignored facet of recording a good album). The Aggrolites start things right with these tracks and "You Got 5" brings back the skinhead reggae, Upsetter style the band is known for.

"Reconcile" sees the band experimenting with 70's styled reggae effects (ie Michigan and Smiley "Rub A Dub Style") just like in the opening track. And I say these tunes took a few times to listen to but they fit right in and work thanks to the keyboard wizardry that is known as Roger Rivas. And as one of those dorky people with a big record collection that know way too much about music made decades before I was born. People in our scene appreciate when a band like the Aggrolites not only respects the music but actually knows their roots. The band's title track is a soul stomping organ groove with group vocals and Jesse channeling his inner Otis Redding, Wilson Picket, and James Brown. The band slows the tempo down on the ballad "Lets Pack Our Bags" but the band retains their signature sound even during different time signatures which is a rather difficult endeavor. On the instrumental tracks like "Left Red", "Rhythm & Light", "Hip To It", and "Baldhead Rooster" the Aggrolites demonstrate why people should appreciate bands that mixed reggae, soul, and funk. Bands like the Hippy Boys, the Upsetters, Symarip, and the Mohawks paved the way for this sound.

The catchiest and my favorite track is "Free Time" which shows off the tight rhythm section-- Korey on drums, J Bonner on Bass, and Jesse playing rhythm guitar are skilled players at the top of their game. Brian Dixon on lead guitar not only adds to the musical madness but his work behind the board has showed how the band has made a transition from lo fi Dirty Reggae to the new crisp sounds of the day. And when you see the band perform live these players are the rock solid reggae foundation that cannot be broken. The band's ode to gambling "Lucky Streak" is another tune that demonstrates the band's ability to find a groove and is simply a fun song in the same vain as "Pop the Trunk." To close out the album the band included their soccer sing-a-long "We Came To Score" that will hopefully be heard in arenas far and wide. As a reviewer its hard to critique a band as skilled as the Aggrolites. What can they do wrong? The first two albums a band makes often test the waters. They play off their influences and hopefully a band finds their sound. Well the Aggrolites found their sound and it’s the only sound I want to hear. This is quite possibly the best and most important album of 2007.

Review of Tim Armstrong's Solo Record

Tim Armstrong "A Poet's Life" (Hellcat Records)

Billed as Tim Armstrong's solo album but could more aptly be titled Tim Armstrong with the Aggrolites (since the band accompanies Tim on all the songs). This album goes beyond treading through the ska-tinged punk rock Rancid has made their reputation playing since the 90's. Some reviews I have read on "A Poet's Life" have said this is an ode to Tim's heroes -- Jamaican rocksteady singers like Desmond Decker and Alton Ellis. I would digress and think this is modern blistering party reggae.

Tim Armstrong does what he does best with his slurring life lessons mixed with street poetry like Jim Carroll (their vocal styling are also quite similar). The Aggrolites know their music and sort of follow Tim with the heavy reggae beat they are known for. There are a couple of songs here that bring back the gritty intensity of "Dirty Reggae" the Aggrolites' debut album. Tim throws some curveballs and includes a couple of love songs alongside his usual observations, which is not on par for most Rancid songs.

The opening numbers prove right away teaming up the Aggrolites with Tim Armstrong is the perfect combination. The catchiest song on the album "Into Action" is an intense melding of reggae and punk rock that harkens back to the days of two tone. Also the guest female vocals of Skye Sweetnam (a Canadian pop singer) and the guitar's surfy guitar melody are two components that remind me of the Selector.

"Translator" is a mellow love tune where Tim repeats "I only wanted what was best for you." Jesse Wagner adds some sweet vocal harmonies alongside Tim's tender chorus statement. This track has a menacing trombone combined with a hurried ukulele rhythm. "Take This City" shows you why without a doubt why the Aggrolites are on the top of their game churning out blazing reggae anthems that sound like the modern day version of Lee Perry's studio band the Upsetters. Tim Armstrong does what he does best on "Inner City Violence" but even in this mellow mood his lyrical melodies still shine through even when singing about political atrocities. "Oh No" is a track that has heavy percussion melodies strung throughout which sets the post apocalyptic mood.

My two favorite tracks on the album are the ones towards the end. "Lady Demeter" is another love song that avoids clichés and sticks to straight story telling pulling no punches. The harmonica melody strings throughout the song complimenting Tim's voice throughout the chorus. "Among the Dead" demonstrates the secret to why the Aggrolites are so good (reggae is all about rhythm). Also this song contains a personal history of Tim's past from Op Ivy to Rancid. The album ends with the dubby instrumental "Cold Blooded."

One of the highlights of the CD package is the inclusion of a booklet of lyrics and a DVD. The DVD has videos from all the songs on the album. . The majority of the videos are shot in Cali but there are a couple shot in varying locations such as Vegas and Japan. The videos are grainy low quality B&W shot in that Hellcat sorta way. But in some ways the videos each have some sort of story of their own they illustrate.

Overall this album has mostly positives. My only gripe is 10 songs almost seems like it's not enough. Reggae and punk have gone together since the 70's and this album is an example how two worlds can meet and create something new and exciting.

Tim Armstrong- A Poet's Life Coming May 22nd

Only three days away!
Three days till the world is hit with this explosive combination of Tim's unique vocal stylings, and the Aggrolites intense dirty reggae sound. I don't know about you but I am excited! As I was reading through our blog here I noticed the Visual Occupation to the left pop up some videos of new songs from the upcoming record. Clicking on it I found that there are several new videos.
One that stood out to me is 'Inner City Violence'.




Tim's vocals transfer back and forth from his dancehall style to his raspy singing. And The Aggros with that deep infectious groove, like some kinda protest song outta the 70s. Just listen and see what I mean!

Remember these lyrics from the song 'Get Into Action"...
"If you hook up the speakers, we'll bring the sound. And the music will be heard from miles and miles around;We got songs of redemption, songs of war, we got songs like this that can pack the dance floor"
The writing is on the wall...
I cannot wait to hear the rest of this album, all I know is this is gonna destroy the speakers in my car. This will definitely be this summer's theme music for me.