Back catalogue: Reggae

Review: Some five years after their last full-length hit stores, Fat Freddy's Drop has finally got round to recording a new album. Entitled "Special Edition", it's set to be released in two parts. Part one (the second will follow later in the year) begins with the slow and steady soulful skank of "Kamo Kamo", before the more digital-sounding goodness of "OneFourteen" sees them wisely pushing honeyed vocalist Joe Dukie to the fore. More jazzy reggae warmth follows via "Raleigh Twenty", while "Special Edition" is a confirmed dancefloor workout - think disco-reggae - which mixes rapped and sung vocals. There's a surprising nod to house music on the hypnotic and synth-laden "Trickle Down", while "Six-Eight (Instrumental)" is Fat Freddy's take on dancehall.

Review: Some five years after their last full-length hit stores, Fat Freddy's Drop has finally got round to recording a new album. Entitled "Special Edition", it's set to be released in two parts. Part one (the second will follow later in the year) begins with the slow and steady soulful skank of "Kamo Kamo", before the more digital-sounding goodness of "OneFourteen" sees them wisely pushing honeyed vocalist Joe Dukie to the fore. More jazzy reggae warmth follows via "Raleigh Twenty", while "Special Edition" is a confirmed dancefloor workout - think disco-reggae - which mixes rapped and sung vocals. There's a surprising nod to house music on the hypnotic and synth-laden "Trickle Down", while "Six-Eight (Instrumental)" is Fat Freddy's take on dancehall.

Review: Live At Roundhouse calls back to when New Zealand nu-dubbers Fat Freddy's Drop reserved their best tricks for London in the late 00s. Descending on time-honoured Camden venue the Roundhouse, the album captures the essence of one of their most renowned live sets, with energetic jamming seguing through seven original tune, showcasing their improv skills both as a band and as a dub production collective. The 15th anniversary edition here comes courtesy of Record Store Day and comes in an exclusive neon green sleeve.

Review: Having road tested these jams at huge gigs around the world before the lockdown locked us down, Fat Freddy's Drop now unleashes these dub wise detonations. Special Edition Part 1 is said to be the first edition of a long promised double album with separate chapters. There are plenty of song writing skills on show here as well as technical innovations and real studio magic with soul drenched dub, old school reggae and new school vocal riddims all sounding super fresh.

Review: Wairunga is a Kiwi beauty spot that's long been one of the favoured locations for Fat Freddy's Drop to kick back between tours and recording sessions. It's fitting then that the long-serving New Zealand collective have named their new album in its honour. The set itself showcases the band at their very best, delivering their usual attractive fusions of dub, reggae and soul, in which Joe Dukie's effortlessly soulful vocals rise above warming bass, heady electronics, crisp guitars and hazy horns. It's diverse enough to fend off any accusations that they're resting on their laurels, but also familiar enough to please the band's vast army of fans. In other words, it's a Fat Freddy's Drop album, and a rather good one at that.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Slight tear and creasing to corner of outer sleeve, but otherwise in excellent condition***


During the pandemic lockdown, Fat Freddy's Drop looked themselves away in the iconic Michael Fowler Centre in the band's hometown of Wellington, New Zealand. There was no audience as a reflection of the weird times, but they still set to jamming out a wealth of conscious songs of freedom and hope for a generation. Their whole studio was relocated to the venue along with an MPC and allowed the band to turn out slow burn classics like 'Soldier', 'Hope' and 'This Room' as well as test drive 'Avengers', which was a brand new track in the making.

Review: The limited edition deluxe double vinyl release of 'SLO MO' is here, featuring a stunning holographic overlay that matches the album's deep, immersive sound. Freddy's latest studio album is a nine-track journey packed with bass-heavy beats, offering both redemption and resolution. Described by Fitchie, the group's beatmaker, as "Afro rhythmic soul music," 'SLO MO' explores the rich intersection of Black music through a Polynesian lens. This strictly limited pressing is a celebration of rhythm, soul and culture, making it an essential pick-up for vinyl collectors and fans of bold, genre-defying sounds.

Review: During the pandemic lockdown, Fat Freddy's Drop looked themselves away in the iconic Michael Fowler Centre in the band's hometown of Wellington, New Zealand. There was no audience as a reflection of the weird times, but they still set to jamming out a wealth of conscious songs of freedom and hope for a generation. Their whole studio was relocated to the venue along with an MPC and allowed the band to turn out slow burn classics like 'Soldier', 'Hope' and 'This Room' as well as test drive 'Avengers', which was a brand new track in the making.

Review: Fat Freddy's Drop returns with their latest studio album, SLO MO, a vibrant exploration of rhythm and soul that harnases their exhilarating live performances. Described by band member Fitchie as "afro rhythmic soul music," the album reflects a unique blend of influences from Polynesia, showcasing the group's distinctive sound. Recorded in their Wellington-based BAYS studio, this sixth album marks a significant evolution, aiming to encapsulate the energy and emotion of their celebrated live shows. Comprising nine tracks, SLO MO is here on double vinyl, allowing listeners to engage with the album as a cohesive artistic experience. As the album progresses, Joe Dukie's haunting vocals invite introspection, creating a spectral quality that resonates deeply. The cover art, created by Aotearoa artist Dan Tippett, transports viewers to a dreamlike, prehistoric forest, perfectly reflecting the album's themes of connection and renewal. With SLO MO, Fat Freddy's Drop once again proves their ability to push musical boundaries while staying true to their roots, delivering a powerful statement of resilience and creativity.

Review: Fat Freddy's Drop originally released Blackbird in 2013 on their own The Drop label, and now they're revisiting this surefire classic with a remix package which takes their mellow, soulful dub strain in some surprising directions. The Remix of 'Blackbird' which opens up the album features Kings picking up the mic, while the mighty Nightmares on Wax gets busy with a version of 'Russia'. Yarni and Liv East take 'Silver & Gold' in the direction of loose, earthy house and Feiertag adds some shimmering dub tech, minimal and broken beat touches to his version of 'Mother Mother'. It's an ambitious and expansive collection for home listeners and eclectic DJs alike.

Review: Some five years after their last full-length hit stores, Fat Freddy's Drop has finally got round to recording a new album. Entitled "Special Edition", it's set to be released in two parts. Part one (the second will follow later in the year) begins with the slow and steady soulful skank of "Kamo Kamo", before the more digital-sounding goodness of "OneFourteen" sees them wisely pushing honeyed vocalist Joe Dukie to the fore. More jazzy reggae warmth follows via "Raleigh Twenty", while "Special Edition" is a confirmed dancefloor workout - think disco-reggae - which mixes rapped and sung vocals. There's a surprising nod to house music on the hypnotic and synth-laden "Trickle Down", while "Six-Eight (Instrumental)" is Fat Freddy's take on dancehall.