Debut album from Montreal’s THE FUNDAMENTALS, a band that puts the SOUL back into ska and reggae, hitting you with hard grooving rhythms, powerful horns, and stunning male & female vocal harmonies.
Since forming in 2008, The Fundamentals have worked tirelessly to bring their unique sound and exciting live show to audiences everywhere, including appearances at both the Montreal and Victoria Ska festivals. Their music recalls the rhythms of 1960s Jamaica, with roots firmly planted in the traditions of early ska, rocksteady, and reggae. The seven-piece ensemble adds their love of blues and soul with an attitude that is pure rock’n’roll, making sure every audience member and listener has an unforgettable time. With the help of producer Mitch “King Kong” Girio (King Apparatus, The Kingpins), The Fundamentals have crafted a record that’s sure to make waves within the ska scene and beyond.
Known for their energetic and engaging live performances, The Fundamentals have shared the stage with many notable international acts, including The Aggrolites, Mustard Plug, New York Ska Jazz Ensemble, The Planet Smashers, Vic Ruggiero of The Slackers, plus backing King Django, Vernon Maytone, and Chris Murray on Canadian tours.
Influences of Otis Redding, Smokey Robinson, and the great James Brown… but then their neo-traditional ska tunes like “WORST IN ME” and the surf-spy instrumental “LA FRITA” are not to be missed either! Even their faster organ-heavy “early” reggae tunes like “LEAVING ME BEHIND” are killer. Even the slow reggae/soul tunes like “PROMISES” and “SELFISHMAN” leave you wanting more! We kid you not, this is one of those records that truly apeals to a wide audience of traditional ska/reggae fans.
Tracklist
A1 Gone
A2 Leaving Me Behind
A3 Get Alright
A4 Promises
A5 Forgiveness
A6 La Frita
B1 Cool Down (And Let It All Out)
B2 Outta Here
B3 Worst In Me
B4 See Saw
B5 St. Dominique
B6 Selfish Man
