A progressive reggae outfit based in New York but with Jamaican lineage, New Kingston is a family affair with three brothers and a father at the helm. They were originally a cover band after plenty of successful jam sessions in the family basement. Over the last seven years, they’ve branched out into their own songs, adding elements R&B and hip-hop to their reggae foundation.
The opening self-titled track lets us know exactly what we’re getting into, as it assembles multiple vocals with thick melodies and youthful songwriting that is both anthemic and beat-heavy. “Honorable & The Beast” follows with a spiritual angle with plenty of rootsy flavor, while “Starlight” features Pressure Busspipe and is seemingly a tune made for lovers to enjoy.
The middle of the album offers the mostly acoustic “Agape,” one of the softest tracks here, and is matched with “Stereotypes,” which contains hip-hop vocals that are some of the most forceful present. The laidback vibe returns on “Meditation,”a percussive focused tune with plenty of memorable basslines, and also one the most noteworthy moments on the album.
The end of the album brings R&B to the table in large amounts with “Solid As A Rock,” where warm grooves and organs illuminate the song well, and “Reggae Music’s Playing,” where electric guitar and organs take center stage. The album ends on the bold, jagged dub version of “Kingston Fyah,” a fan favorite that manages to capture the energy of the band’s infectious live show.
This fourth album from New Kingston carries on the tradition of robust, quality music from Easy Star Records. The band’s multifaceted version of authentic Jamaican reggae from Brooklyn is truly a sound all its own and well deserving of a spin from fans of not only reggae but R&B, hip-hop, or soulful sounds.
