The Aggrolites

The Aggrolites

The Aggrolites are a reggae band from Los Angeles, United States, active since 2002. The group forms from two earlier Los Angeles reggae and ska acts, the Vessels and the Rhythm Doctors, and begins as an in-concert backing band for reggae singer Derrick Morgan. A planned recording project with Morgan does not get released, but the sessions lead the musicians to continue as a permanent group.

Backing work and members

The band also serves as a backing group for Phyllis Dillon, Prince Buster and Tim Armstrong, including work on his solo album A Poet's Life. Its members are Scott Abels, J Bonner, Brian Dixon, David Fuentes, Korey Horn, Alex McKenzie, Roger Rivas, Jeff Roffredo and Jesse Wagner.

Recordings and releases

The Aggrolites release their debut album, Dirty Reggae, in 2004 on Axe Records. It is recorded at Signet Studios in Los Angeles in a single day, with each track cut in one take and many lyrics improvised during the sessions. In November 2004, the band appears on the Hellcat Records compilation Give 'Em the Boot IV, and it signs to Hellcat in October 2005.

Their self-titled second album, The Aggrolites, appears on Hellcat/Epitaph and includes tracks such as “Countryman Fiddle” and “Mr. Misery.” Their third album, Reggae Hit L.A., is released in 2007 and wins an IGN award for Best Reggae Album of 2007. Their fourth full-length album, IV, follows on Hellcat Records and debuts on several CMJ charts, including the Top 200, Triple A and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang charts. The band later releases Rugged Road.

Television appearance

The Aggrolites appear on Yo Gabba Gabba!, created by Christian Jacobs of The Aquabats, and record the song “Animal Sounds” for the show.

Style

The group is associated with reggae, ska and skinhead reggae, and is also described through the term “dirty reggae.”

Side project

Roger Rivas also brings together a group called the Bullets, described as playing reggae with Chicano soul.