Birmingham based alternative reggae and ska outfit Kioko released their debut EP, ‘True What They Say’, back towards the end of November 2014. Showcasing the political and social awareness that has seen both genres linked to the punk scene for many years, Kioko are keen to bring the offshoot genres back into the mainstream conciousness. The EP has already seen them being picked up by BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stevens, and has seen them shares stages from everyone from The Specials and The King Blues to Tinie Tempah. With their crossover appeal increasingly evident, we asked band members Laurence Taylor and Ewan Whyte for a brief introductory playlist to reggae and ska in Britain.
“This track is a track many of us can all relate too,” Kioko explain of their EP title track. “Everyone has a moment in their life when they feel they can do more to have a better life and this is what this song is about. Our multicultural line–up is apparent in the music we write. When you listen to this song you will be able to hear influences from the variety of cultures that helped to craft the song.”
“It seems that the reggae and ska genres globally are becoming more popular with great acts arising,” they explain, when asked about the UK scene. “Back in the 1970-1990s British reggae and ska had been accepted as a genre in its own right compared to its Jamaican counterpart. There now is a new generation of bands creating a buzz with music influenced by these genres and it will not be too long until the majority of the UK have heard of them all.”
With that in mind, Kioko provided us with 5 tracks that represent the current UK scene.
The Skints – ‘Come To You’
The Skints have been around for a few years now and have made a huge imprint on British ska and reggae. KIOKO first met The Skints when they both supported The King Blues on the tour for their second album ‘Save The World, Get The Girl’. Since that gig back in 2008, KIOKO became fans of The Skints and have loved the material and the direction they have taken. Their new album FM is filled with some heavy dub grooves and sweet lovers rock taking me back to my childhood. It is great to see good British reggae paying respect to 70’s reggae and rising in popularity.
The Resonators – ‘Surrender’
When people think of Brighton they may reminisce of long summer walks on the beaches or the classic British film Quadrophenia. Not many people will realise that some smooth dubs are being created there. I saw The Resonators over a year ago now and what a show it was. Their music has elements of King Tubby’s Dubs blended with a 80’s British sound system feel. The audience at the show I attended was very mixed; punks, reggae rockers, indie kids and general music lovers all skanked throughout the set which showed me how versatile The Resonators are. These guys are seriously worth listening too!
Dubwiser – ‘Bicycle’
Bringing you those feel good rhythms and catchy choruses are our good friends Dubwiser; they have supported many of the successful reggae acts the world has seen. Once you listen to their music you will realise why. Members of the band have produced a range of artists from America, Britain and the Caribbean for over 20 years, hence their ability to capture the roots of Jamaican music. Their song ‘Bicycle’ reminds me of Prince Buster’s song ‘Enjoy Yourself’. The song just makes you instantly happy and is most definitely a song that bridges the gap from mainstream pop and underground reggae.
Sonic Boom Six – ‘For The Kids Of The Multiculture’
KIOKO are aware and very proud of our multicultural line-up. This song by Sonic Boom Six is close to our band. We have done those gigs in areas, venues that look at a multicultural line-up and see it as a joke – it is nice to see a current band addressing the issues to do with race in Britain today. The genre of this particular song may seem different to KIOKO’s but nevertheless the message is carries the same views that unify us as a band.
By The Rivers – ‘Vulture’
Another band receiving great attention are By The Rivers. By The Rivers, much like KIOKO, are proud of the history of ska and reggae in the West Midlands. For too many years these genres have been shut away from British media and it is about time they came back. By The Rivers have great harmonies and overall musicality. I would recommend listening to their self-titled album.
For more on Kioko, check out their official Facebook page.