Album review: The New Riddim – Second Sight

Whether you’re an enthusiast of reggae, soul, ska, or simply any music that inspires dancing, The New Riddim’s album Second Sight is sure to keep you moving. Throughout the album, the soulful lyrics and voice of Dan Loftus will take you on a hip-swaying journey from high-tempo Caribbean melodies to slower island sounds. While certain songs might lead you to think you are beachside in Jamaica, others seem fit for a jazz club nestled in an old New Orleans neighborhood (a setting even mentioned in “Shoot the Piano Player”). However, most of the tracks in this album are purely an amazing combination of these energies.
 
Loftus’ romantic vocals, organ, and piano playing overlay the boisterous instrumentals of the rest of the band beautifully. The eight-person band consists of Loftus, Kian Byrne on bass (and vocals for “While I Wish”), Marshall Tinnermeier on saxophone, Nick Howell on trumpet, Mike Walker on trombone, Conor Loftus on guitar, Rico Pierce on drums, and Chas Snyder on drums. Each member has truly mastered his respective domain to form this ensemble of diverse sounds and they are most definitely a “new riddim.”
 
This Kansas City band has been producing sweet, soulful jams since they came together in 2005. Although Second Sight was released in February of this year, it wasn’t until mid-October that the album was available on a 12” vinyl, which really is the perfect medium for their sound. The vinyl also includes an additional track called “What Can I Dub?” by Agent Jay of The Slackers, an incredible artist known for his contributions to the ska, reggae, and rock genres. Be sure to grab The New Riddim’s vinyl from Mad Butcher Records and don’t miss the chance to catch one of their high-energy performances!
 
 
–Lindsey Alexander
Lindsey is a writer who loves live shows, Reddit, and really good tacos.
 
 

Celebrate your holiday hangover with The New Riddim this Saturday at The Brick, where they will be joined by The Grisly Hand. Show starts at 10 pm. Facebook event page.