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Meet The Delegators

Posted by Lucas G. on 01/20/14 | Filed under Non Hip-Hop, Meet, The Delegators

Monday mornings, especially ones after a football filled Sunday, can be a struggle. Though many of you probably have the day off, those that don't know just how I feel; although blogging is a little different than having to go into an office or school (in that it is fucking awesome). Anyway, this next "Meet" is dedicated to those that need a little pick me up at work or on your off day I guess.

Honestly, following up three successfully "Meet" pieces has been stressing me out a little bit; I am determined to keep the streak going so much so I have been using much of my free time perusing for y'all. I couldn't sleep on Friday night so around 3 A.M I hopped on Bandcamp to do some serious browsing (I find all the best discoveries come late at night) I wasn't expecting much, as sometimes it takes forever to find something, but almost immediately, I was drawn to The Delegators (another UK product) and have been looking forward to writing this all weekend.

I know summer is a few months away, but this album has to be on your warm-weather playlist. Their eclectic sound makes me want to stop what I am doing, grab a few friends and some beers and head to the beach. When I said eclectic, I really meant it; I am so impressed at how well the fuse so many different sounds. First and foremost, the most obvious sound is their reggae influence; it gives it that fun, party vibe, and while it is definitely reggae, I think it has a little more to it. The instrumentals feel a little bit more intricate and detailed than your normal reggae cut (especially the horns) and it only adds to the live, party vibe; their shows must be so fun. For me reggae is what I put on when I need a pick me up or just want to get ready to hang out. My perfect party song is something that puts a smile on my face and is energetic yet, low key. Cue "Dance", perhaps my favorite song off the album. The reggae/ska instrumentals will get your feet moving (almost subconsciously) and Janet Kumah's energetic vocals and carefree lyrics will wash your cares away. Overall, just a really fun song.

While songs like "Dance" will taker you to a tropical paradise, the soul influence on cuts like "It Ain't Love" and "Crying" will take you right to Motown. Ok, so the instrumentals sound awfully similar, but Kumah's powerful vocals and the broken-hearted themes give it a strong soul vibe; it's like if Toot's and The Matayls and Etta James started a band. She has the power and emotion of a soul singer, but the the energy and charisma perfect for a party, reggae tune and they blend the flavors so well; it feels totally natural and the transitions are seamless.

There isn't much in the way of videos, but the group does have two albums available via bandcamp. I haven't heard their older project "Movin' On", but I spent the whole fucking weekend listening to "All Aboard" and I highly recommend it. I rarely listen to albums from start to finish, but I had no trouble with this one; it flows so well and is so easy to listen to.

Be sure to grab the album and follow them on Twitter. Happy Monday!