The Aggrolites

This Los Angeles quintet expanded their reach with the release of their self-titled debut album last year, playing what they call dirty reggae. While reggae is their main genre, they add touches of soul, rock, pop, ska and especially funk. Roger Rivas' distinctive organ and piano flourishes help separate them from the pack, particularly on "You Got 5" and the instrumental "Hip To It." There are three other instrumentals mixed among the 15 tracks, and it sounds like they've included a sitar on "Baldhead Rooster." "Lucky Streak" is a solid party tune, while "We Came To Score" expertly blends a chanted chorus, hand claps, organ and a hint of ska. While the album offers some of the best skinhead reggae released in years, it lacks some of the fire and power of its predecessor, which was one of my five favourite records of 2006. But The Aggrolites are rock-solid musicians and their thirst to play should ensure future growth.