Easy Star Records are quickly making a name for themselves as the go-to reggae label in New York and beyond.

The emergence of new reggae and dub acts are quickly becoming the foundations of an exciting new genre. We are all familiar with the legends of reggae, however it is new acts, as in all music, that keeps a scene thriving. With the emergence of bands like The Skints, New Kingston, Mungo’s Hi Fi, and Stephen Marley headlining Boomtown Fair this year, the continued rise of reggae is easily illustrated. Add to this the work of DJ/selectors, such as the mighty David Rodigan, and reggae and dub is getting a new lease of life.

Fresh out of New York and Massachusetts come John Brown’s Body, and truth be told, this is a dub outfit we knew little about. However, music is a wonderful exciting journey and so discovering new bands is purely random, that is what makes new music so exciting.

A straight up dub album in the old traditions is always welcome. ‘Worldwide Dub’ for example mixes old techniques drawn from reggae’s vaults. Slow head bobbing basslines with carefully crafted horns and vocal echoes sit easily alongside new styled jangled guitars.

‘Sound and Fury Dub’ continues in this vein as old meets new. Layered basslines compete as digital synths wail and rise, before an excellent brass section bring the entire track together. The influences of legendary dub producers such as King Tubby and Scientist are obvious. These elements allow the band to blend together and produce wonderful dub, laced with heavy modern horn sections complimented by a wonderful use of delay and off beat guitars.

This album comes two years after the original studio album was released. As refreshing as a new dub album is, it’s even more refreshing that it's coming from the ever growing United States reggae scene.

Other album highlights include the refreshing ‘Land of Plenty Dub’ which features none other than Brooklyn-based producer extraordinaire Ticklah known for his work with Mark Ronson, Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen. With the track’s modern approach, with almost pop based sensibilities, it is easy to see why he is in such high demand. ‘Gallows Pole Dub’, which has been produced and dubbed by legendary UK reggae icon Dennis Bovell, again showcases the band’s emergence and growth within both the US and internationally. 

Kings And Queens In Dub yet again proves the band’s growing reputation. It’s not like the band are new to the scene: 20 years since the band’s formation, John Brown’s Body continue to impress with their ability to craft thumping dub anthems.

Kings And Queens In Dub is available from amazon & iTunes.

The Skints have been on a solid mission since 2012’s Part & Parcel; touring pretty much constantly, playing with a variety of big names and gaining wider exposure through their cover of Katy B’s ‘On A Mission’. For a band who could technically be pigeonholed as playing ska and reggae, this should give you an idea of the enjoyment the East London four piece take from musical experimentation and the bending of genre rules, something very much in evidence throughout their new release FM. Upon first listen, FM is a continuation of the band’s evolution towards a mellower, soulful reggae vibe when compared to early recordings - the eleven tracks within, interspersed with skits based around a fictional pirate radio station and featuring guest appearances from Tippa Irie, Horseman and Rival, are approached at a laid back pace replete with the smooth harmonies we have come to expect from the group. However, a closer look reveals a subtle inclusion of a wide range of musical styles.

This is most obvious in the grimy sounds of ‘Eyes in the Back of my Head’ or their brilliant reggae reimagining of Black Flag’s ‘My War’, but also crops up unexpectedly with each new listen, like some kind of Easter egg hunt for music nerds. The sly nod to The Specials’ classic ‘Ghost Town’ halfway through ‘Friends & Business’, the move of Tippa Irie to the fore during ‘Tazer Beam’ and the outright summery pop vibes of ‘Got No Say’ all show a commendably wide range of influences. Thankfully this never hampers the album’s cohesion, pushed along as it is by semi-regular skits and always bringing said influences into the bubbling pot that is the wider Skints sound. A list of highlights has to start off with first single ‘This Town’, where an infectious dancehall beat underpins the three band members alongside Tippa and Horseman all taking vocal duties - a shoe in to be blasted at parties and BBQs all summer long. The aforementioned Black Flag cover joins the ranks of my favourite of the band’s songs, while the heavy dub of ‘The Forest for the Trees’ is as perfect an anti-racism song as you are likely to hear this year; a beautiful piece of reggae juxtaposed with a biting lyrical refutation of scabrous right wing propaganda.

Listening to FM I have to say thatit is great to see a band developing and growing into their sound, as well as getting some well-deserved recognition after years of relentless touring around the pubs, clubs and festivals of the UK. The album might be released this month, but will undoubtedly end up being the soundtrack to the summer.

FM is available from amazon & iTunes.