The One Night Band

This Montreal band's Way Back Home debut was a solid ska album. But by taking a step back with the loss of some members, they've taken a big step forward with a rawer and edgier sound on Hit & Run. Ska and reggae still form the basis of the pared-down group's sound, but the lack of a female vocalist and diminished use of horns this time around — combined with added fuzz guitar, soul and garage rock elements — make for a varied yet focused LP. Aggrolites guitarist Brian Dixon produced the album, and the similarities between his "dirty reggae" group and the new One Night Band are obvious — which isn't a negative since The Aggrolites are one of the most respected acts in the modern ska/reggae scene. The disc makes the best use of organ on a Canadian-recorded, Jamaican-influenced album since the late, great Jackie Mittoo after he emigrated to Toronto almost 40 years ago. The album was recorded live-off-the-floor using vintage equipment, and the approach worked marvellously. Any of Hit & Run's 15 songs could get a party started, and keep it going.