Dr Boondigga & the Big BW
Fat Freddy's Drop
review by Jack Bandit
Follow up to their ‘05 debut, this release should have some scratching their heads in the beginning. 11 years in the biz means these guys have picked up a few tricks which include more than just reggae on this LP. Laced with soulful vocals, most tracks have a funky undertone although “The Raft”(4) and “Pull the Catch”(5) bring the reggae/dub that fans expect.
Combining delightfully funky grooves with a dash of electronica and jazz is what’s here but keep in mind that some of those elements are highlighted more/less on different tracks. The title track moves slowly with a nice jazz vibe and so does the “Big BW”(1) but sounds more funky with equally strong vocals. “The Camel”(6) brings some rock/funk with Alice Russell adding her golden voice that works well. Even some rapping with MC Slave on “The Nod”(7), almost every song adds something new yet the sound is familiar because the CD as a whole establishes common ground throughout the tracks that just works. “Shiverman”(2) and “Wild Wind”(7) stand out with more electronic elements added to keep your head nodding while remaining in a state of bliss. Overall strong & enjoyable release from Aussies that added new tricks to their bag of soulful reggae tunes. Interested to hear what’s next…… FCC clean
RIYL: Trinity Roots, The Black Seeds, iLa Mawana
Favs: *1, 2,*6, 8 Reggae: *4, 5 released 6/2/2009 file: urban
*note: Fat Freddy’s Drop has a single (The Raft) in the new reggae section with that track, a shorter version, dub version, & Jet Jaguar remix (RPM).
1. Big BW
2. Shiverman Feat. Riki Gooch
3. Boondigga Feat. Dan Yeabsley, Riki Gooch, & Chip Matthews
4. The Raft Feat. Rio Hemopo & Riki Gooch
5. Pull the Catch
6. The Camel Feat. Alice Russell, Julien Dyne, Will Ricketts, & Rio Hemopo
7. Wild Wind
8. Breakthrough Feat. Dan Yeabsley & Julien Dyne