This is my first taste of Maroon Town, how these guys have passed me by I’ll never know. Originally formed by two boyhood friends, the lads named themselves after the original Jamaican Maroons who fought off slavery and the English occupying army, creating their own autonomous town. Having travelled the world, catching the ear of John Peel, jamming in a high security prison in Jamaica, running workshops in London and the outer reaches of Kazakhstan they now bring us the album ‘Urban Myths’ on the mighty Rockers Revolt record label. The album arrives after an intense period of recording with some of London’s brightest talents. Be prepared to be blown away by this 9 piece, genre-defying fusion of, reggae, ska, Latin beats and hip-hop.
Infectious, upbeat, energetic are just a few of the words that spring to mind when the opening track from the new Maroon Town album drops. ‘Ya Ya (Lemme Tell Dem) is a bouncing, fresh urban anthem featuring fast fire lyrics and blazing horns over a fusion of modern beats, reggae and ska. Drop this track in any club and the dance floor will go crazy! ‘Urban Myth’ takes you on a dynamic musical journey. Tunes like ‘Bella Cosa’ swagger along to a down tempo style reggae beat, while cuts like ‘Wreckless’, which features the Eastend MC trio, the Wreckless Crew, fire along at an intense pace, propelled by blazing ska horns and superb lyrical flare. ‘Are You Ready’ takes a nod back to the traditional deejay days, while bringing the sound bang up to date. Drop the track ‘Bullit’, a huge favourite of mine, and you’ll hear the influences of the legendary Skatalites in full swing. A nice dose of Latin vibes can also be found with ‘Latin Moshpit’ and ‘Innocent Mind’ both being two beautifully constructed tracks. The first features hip-hop styled lyrical delivery over classic Latin beats, while ‘Innocent Mind’ features a beautiful female vocalist over a laid back, sunny day vibe.
‘Urban Myth’ is a joyous album, it has bounce, flare and buckets of energy. It’ll put a smile on your face and a spring in your dancing steps. Go check it now!
Reviewed by: JumpUp
Tracklist:
01. Ya Ya (lemme tell dem)
02. Lion
03. Latin Moshpit
04. Wreckless
05. Bella Cosa
06. Are You Ready?
07. Watermalon Man
08. Bullit
09. Innocent Mind
10. Clarendon Calling
