Over the past seven years, the Aggrolites have established a reputation for being a bit retrograde. Though this has occasionally earned them some degree of critical scorn, the band wholeheartedly embraces their throwback aesthetic, choosing to act as if they are one of the original reggae/ska/funk acts to whom they so frequently draw comparison. Rather than using their influences as a jumping off point, they have chosen to become their influences. This sense of pure musical continuity is readily apparent on The Aggrolites IV, soon to be released on Hellcat Records. From the funk swagger of album opener Firecracker to the breezy reggae feel of the aptly titled Reggae Summertime, the album veritably sweats classic reggae, ska, and soul. For those craving something a little different, the sweetheart-of-the-(reggae)-rodeo feel of Brother Jacob should fit the bill with its swinging shuffle and mournful saga of love, death, and vengeance. Though the Aggrolites may not be out to reinvent the wheel, the one theyre turning sounds pretty damn sweet. With the Georgetown Orbits.
Sat., May 30, 8 p.m., 2009
