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The Expanders

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The Expanders

The Expanders

By Norman Darwen on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 - Comment

Rockers with The Expanders

Sampler

Not a new release, but easily available from the band’s website and if you like the classic 70s roots sound of The Mighty Diamonds, The Gladiators, or The Heptones, you really should investigate this CD (also available on vinyl LP if you prefer). The Expanders are a five piece based in California who specialise in three part harmonies on some very memorable, self-penned songs, and the music behind them, played by the band themselves with a few added guests, is often in “rockers” style and fashion, and frequently reminiscent of Lee Perry or Jo Jo Hookim productions, shading into the early 80s sound of The Roots Radics. ‘Turtle Race’ could easily have come along on a 12 inch discomix, with Trinidad’s Jah Faith’s toasting, and other numbers also have dub sections. The Expanders have toured with the likes of Alton Ellis, The Maytones, and The Wailing Souls, which should give some indication of their quality. They have also played with The Ethiopians, who certainly left their mark here on the lovely rocksteady of ‘Moving Along’. Definitely worth checking…