DEEP CUTS AND CLASSIC COVERS ABOUND IN VOL. 2 OF THE COVER SERIES
The Expanders operate from a foundation rooted in deep appreciation for classic Jamaican music. Continually praised by fans and media alike for their true-to-the-genre tones and techniques, it is little wonder the bandās sound has captured listenersā attentions, building up an impressive fan base and reaching #1 on the Billboard Ā Reggae Charts with their 2015 release, Hustling Culture. The band just released the second installment in their cover series with Old Time Something Come Back Again Volume 2Ā on tastemaker label Easy Star Records.
The Expanders consist of John Asher (Drums, Vocals), John Butcher (Guitar, Vocals), Roy FishellĀ (Organs), Chiquis Lozoya (Bass, Vocals), and Devin Morrison (Guitar, Vocals). Pristine three-part harmonies shine throughout the bandās entire catalog, bringing back memories of the nostalgic āgolden ageā of reggae. As ardent students of the genre, the California-based band seeks influence from places, times, and people that are often overlooked in the echo chamber that can be the American reggae scene.
The band’s exposure to and deep-seeded love for Jamaican music is due in no small part to theĀ renowned record collection of Los Angeles based reggae archivist Roger Steffens. An organic relationship with Mr. Steffensā son blossomed and allowed the band access to one of the deepest reggae record archives. Access to decades of underappreciated music and classics alike helped the band to internalize the essence and spirit of the music and apply that mentality to a new era. Humbly making large sacrifices in stride, The Expanders have made it their core mission to do right by the soul and feel of yesteryear, and the Old Time Something Come Back Again Ā series exemplifies that mission in a keenly literal sense.Ā Production from longtime collaborator Tom Cook assisted in capturing the band’s natural sound, while maintaining continuity in the cover series.
Where Volume 1Ā saw the band recording songs already incorporated into their live sets, Volume 2Ā presented a new challenge for the band in picking, learning and executing songs they had never played before. Deep cuts from The Ethiopians, Burning Spear, and more are curated and represented with conscientious attention to detail exemplified throughout. Volume 2Ā takes the listener on a journey through a snapshot of the evolution of reggae music, through social commentary and romance, to religious andĀ spiritual overtones; Old Time Something Come Back Again Volume 2 Ā shies away from no aspect of these timeless tunes.
Reggae music and culture has played a pivotal part in the lives of The Expanders, and Old Time Something Come Back Again Volume 2 Ā gives the band the opportunity to pay homage to the voices that spoke to them. Relaying the message from the voices that helped shape the genre to a new audience allows The Expanders to play a vital role in contributing to the revival of the genreās roots. The album is now available at theexpanders.net.
Tracklist:
1. Walla Walla (Originally recorded by Burning Spear)
2. Life Is A Funny Thing (Originally recorded by The Ethiopians)
3. Put Those Fools (Originally recorded by The Tidals)
4. Brutal (Originally recorded by The Itals)
5. Try Me One More Time (Originally recorded by Stranger & Gladdy)
6. Christopher Columbus (Originally recorded by Little Roy and Ian Rock)
7. We Are Free (Originally recorded by Burning Spear)
8. Another Moses (Originally recorded by The Ethiopians)
9. Strugglersā Time (Originally recorded by Ghetto Connection)
10. Anti-Christ (Originally recorded by Yabby You & The Prophets)
11. Freedom Train (Originally recorded by The Gladiators)
12. Band You Belly (Originally recorded by The Ethiopians)
13. Love Is All (Originally recorded by Carlton & The Shoes)
14. I Have A Party (Originally recorded by Kenty Spence & His Stars)
