(The Drop/Inertia)

Having heard about this band called Fat Freddy’s Drop for many years, and being an avid fan of New Zealand reggae influenced acts such as the like-minded, Salmonella Dub, expectations were high on first listening of this release. Although, unfortunately, it didn’t blow my mind on first listen and was even a little disappointing from what I had expected, the album’s infectious skanking reggae sounds and cool relaxed lounging sounds, did grow on me.

Tracks such as Ernie, Cay’s Crays and Roady showcased more traditionally themed Jamaican reggae beats, perhaps somewhat cleverly easing the listener into the more accessible R&B Fat Freddy sound highlighted on later tracks like Flashback, This Room, Del Fuego and Hope. Their track Ray Ray even delves into jazzy territory, while Wandering Eye steps to the funk side of things.

A combination of vocal and instrumental tracks, Fat Freddy’s Drop take you on a  diverse musical journey with male and female vocalists, smooth sounds and harmonies, fine production and feel good horns just to name a few of the elements. Picture a group of jazzy bohemian session musos jamming out their own style of dub, reggae, funk, soul and jazz fusions, and you’ll get Fat Freddy’s Drop. Every city has their favourite one; and no city should be without one.

Definitely check out their website http://www.fatfreddysdrop.com as they have the amusing kooky imagery thing down pat.