IV is a great collection of classic beats with a twist of fusion. The undertone of the tracks is so effortlessly reggae, it’s as if The Aggrolites are channelling their essence directly from the masters of the genre. Even more impressive is the fact that this band came together only seven years ago.

The Aggrolites are vocalist and lead guitarist Jesse Wagner, rhythm guitarist Brian Dixon, organist Roger Rivas and bassist Jeff Roffredo. Hailing from Los Angeles, the group looks like a motley crew of ruffians, but don’t let appearances fool you. These boys know their reggae. The band describes their sound as a combination of “reggae soul, grit and determination.” But there’s a bit of ska and rock in there as well.

Wagner’s voice is gritty, soulful, with the right amount of oomph that retains the laid-back, relaxed tone so synonymous with the music. Dixon, Rivas, and Roffredo have a collective knack for knowing when to be definitive reggae and when to incorporate the subtle influences of other styles. The fine art of creating a good beat can’t be learned in school.

IV is one massive album, featuring 21 full-length tracks. Particularly striking songs include “Feelin’ Alright,” “Ever Want To Try,” “Precious And Few,” and “It’s Gonna Be OK.” However, they might be wearing themselves a bit thin here. While each track is decent, a few of the songs hit similar notes, while understandable with reggae music, plucking out ten or so solid tracks would have been a wise move.

The Aggrolites prove that new music within a deep-rooted genre can still sound pure and perfectly aged. The catchy bass lines, the quick strum of the guitar, the lightly-knocking drum work, and, of course, the romancing vocals – everything I love about reggae is here on this record.

Track Listing:

1. Firecracker
2. What A Complex
3. Wild Time
4. Feelin’ Alright
5. The Sufferer
6. It’s Time To Go
7. By Her Side
8. Brother Jacob
9. Musically On Top
10. Reggae Summertime
11. Ever Want To Try
12. Keep Moving On
13. Tear That Falls
14. Gotta Find Someone Better
15. Lick It Up
16. The Least I Could Do
17. Runnin’ Strong
18. Precious And Few
19. Tonight
20. Soul Gathering
21. It’s Gonna Be OK