(Axe Records 2008)
This is the second release by the West Coast's premier reggae label, Axe Records. By releasing a handful of 45's and 2 full length albums since their inception- a good motto might be quality over quantity. On their debut album the Impalers prove not everything great in the North American reggae scene has to be "dirty." Their clean sounding take on Jamaican music may fill a hole in your music collection. A comparison to the Aggrolites is obvoius as the Aggrolites released their debut album 5 years ago in 2003. And the Impalers are not only on the same label but this album is also engineered by the man behind the Aggrolites live and studio sound, Brian "Boom Boom" Dixon. From the get go of "Mission Strut" you here other influences such as the powerful Stax-like horn lines. Cindy Chi has one of the sweetest and strongest sounding vocals by channeling a few Jamaican singers (Phylis Dillon and Hortenese Ellis) but you can also hear the sultry soulful influence of Carla Thomas.
"On the End of a Rope" is not a plea for love but an ultimatum with a steady backing chorus of denial (No, No, No). "Uppercut" opens with bubbling organ melody and a heavy one drop. The song is a grooving organ instrumental that keeps you rocking from start to finish. After just a few listens "Holding On To You" is my favorite tune by far the lyrics are instantaneously memorable and tough a true rocksteady gem. The other instrumentals on the disc are all killer ("Metro Azul", "Nachmittag", and "The K Line.) The band delves into other sounds throughout the rest of the disc and these departures still keep the band in the realm of reggae the jazz styled horn blasts and funky guitars on songs like "Pocket Money" and "I Vampiri." "Replacement Boy" uses some dub effects to enhance the minimal grooving rhythm, while the lounge piano coupled with Cindy's sweet vocals sound perfect. And "Judge and Jury" opens up with some nice percussion and a perfect reggae groove that floats throughout the song about a song full of murder and justice.
The Impalers do what they intend to do -- to conquer with their musical prowess. And I am one of the prisoners of their musical mysticism. I think I would follow wherever they would take me with their song. Axe records strikes gold for the second time in a row. And I cannot wait for whatever the future holds for San Fransico's own Impalers or for Axe Records. One can only hope a national tour will follow. I am sure this band will not be very difficult to make any room dancing and grooving along. California seems to have a racket on amazing female fronted ska/reggae bands. The band should have a bright future as some of the members have been in quite a few popular/long-lasting bands like Lets Go Bowling, Skanking Pickle, and the Rudiments. Buy this album no doubt no question just do it!
-Bobby Babylon - (Music Is Our Occupation Ska and Reggae Music Blog)
REVIEW2
San Francisco's
Impalers may pursue the groovy over the gritty, but don't mistake their smoothness for lack of authenticity. The seven-piece reggae armada boasts a lineup culled from veteran outfits, and they're successful enough to soon tour Europe, including an insane ten shows in Germany, where their debut album,
Blood, Rum & Reggae, is out on Scorcha Records. Released stateside on Axe, the record offers such affable instrumentals as "Uppercut" as well as the cautionary tale "I Vampiri," on which singer Cindy Chi warns, "She's gonna get you, boy" as syrupy guitar and shiny horns blossom beneath. There's some Stax soul in there, meaning Sharon Jones fans won't be disappointed.
— D.W. --SF WEEKLY--
Review 3
HOLY SHIT!
I just got this last night and it is freaking me out how good it is. People in general are prone to exaggeration, especially with releases and artists that are friends or we know should be amazing even if we don't fully think so but I have to say this: this disc hit me right upside the head and smacked me around like I just ran over it's puppy.
This shit is hot!
-DJ Lawless- Lawless Records-
Impalers, The - Blood, Rum & Reggae (Axe)Reviewed By: GoFeet (Wednesday, March 26, 2008)
Hits: 97
Axe Records is the label responsible for unleashing the Aggrolites' premiere album on the world in 2003. Dirty Reggae is undeniably a tough act to follow, but after five years Axe has finally released a second album.
The Impalers were originally conceived as a studio band to back Alana Turner on a single, which was soon followed by an instrumental single of their own. It consists of veteran San Francisco-area ska musicians from such bands as Let's Go Bowling, Skankin' Pickle, The Rudiments, and 78 RPMs as well as the crucial northern soul band the Inciters. The success of their two Axe singles led to demand for a full-length effort. Cindy Cook joined in on vocals to complete the lineup and the album development began.
Blood, Rum & Reggae is a tight package of soul-heavy reggae. Cook's voice is very much at the forefront and works very well with the soul sound that the Impalers have settled on. She certainly shines in such tracks as the catchy "Judge & Jury" and the softer "Replacement Boy". In fact, none of her tracks disappoint since the lyrics are strong and her voice is simply quite commanding.
The rest of the band does a great job backing Cindy, although in a fairly straightforward manner. There is little fresh going on in these. They are more of a quality capture of a retro sound. It is in the four instrumental tracks that we get to hear the Impalers of the Axe singles. Heavy reggae done in a creative way that captures the retro sound but still feels new. The vocal tracks are solid, but not too daring.
While the album is a lot of fun and packs a number of danceable tunes, it is not for everyone. If you dig soulful reggae (particularly with female vocals), then this is one you should strongly consider picking up. You may very well like it if you are an Aggrolites fan, but do not expect it to be as accessible. Is it an essential classic? Not quite. It lacks that extra bit of flair that would make it stand out above the rest. The Imaplers are definitely a band to keep an eye on, though. Out of the many bands resurrecting the old school reggae sound, they are among the strongest and carry a unique sound rather than trying to imitate the success of the Aggrolites. Hopefully this is only the beginning.