New Kingston ‘A Kingston Story: Come From Far’ review

After crafting three immaculate full albums of outstanding reggae tunes, New Kingston has returned this year with a much more “mature” release, a term that is usually code for either boring or uninspiring. Come From Far is our experience; as a family, as musicians and as human beings living in a world where anything is […]

Simpkin Project announces new album Beam of Light

Orange county’s Simpkin Project possesses a sound that seamlessly utilizes reggae, blues, rock, and Americana. Beam if Light, the band’s upcoming LP, features the six band guitar-fuzz-driven, drum-pounding songs that their fans have grown to love. The LP, produced by Rellee Hayden, is due out on September 22nd, 2017 under on VP Records’ Dub Rockers. Pre-orders […]

The Dubplates ‘Box Full Of Steel’ album review

The Dubplates’ new album Box Full Of Steel is concurrently refreshing and reminiscent. The Charleston, South Carolina based group doesn’t seem to care about proving themselves as genre bending or cutting edge since their songwriting, and musical sincerity shines beyond anything real. The Dubplates is undoubtedly playing the heck out of their songs in concert, […]

The Holdup release new single “Solid”

Since the critical acclaim success of their 2011 debut album titled Still Gold, reggae and music lovers have been clamoring and anxiously waiting for new music from California based reggae band The Holdup. Since releasing their debut album the band has garnered a great deal of commercial success and moved on to sell tens of […]

Christos DC’s announces fourth album release

Raised by parents who sang opera and taught voice professionally, Washington, D.C native Christos DC will release his fourth album titled Tessera, on July 28th through Honest Music.  “Love is the frequency of which the Creator works through one another” It was Christos' great respect for the music coming out of Kingston, Jamaica that led […]

Lion Heights ‘Same Situation’ album review

There is a slight novelty aspect to the way the four-piece Texan band Lion Heights dazzle their listeners on their latest release to the world titled Same Situation. Their musical chops are undeniably, flashy versions of what you would hear come out of legendary artists like Bob Marley or Gregory Isaacs. The 11 track album loosely pays tribute […]

Jah Sun’s ‘Between the Lines’ album review

The Humboldt, California native Jah Sun found his calling as a reggae artist through the music of Bob Marley. After educating himself about Rastafari and converting to a healthier lifestyle, Jah Sun released his debut album The Height of Light in 2006. “Music is a very powerful and mystical force. It speaks to people on […]

Double Tiger announces debut full-length album

Double Tiger, or better known as Jay Spaker of John Brown’s Body has spent the last five years processing and writing his emotions. And now, he’s finally ready to share them with the rest of the world. His debut full-length album titled Sharp & Ready is set to be released on celebrated label Easy Star […]

Crucial Blend ‘Full Grown’ EP review

When this San Diego based trio bring their skills together, you know you’re in for a three-ring sonic circus. Crucial Blend’s brand new 5-track EP titled Full Grown brings audible tricks and exciting melodies driven by reggae influences with ska-punk roots and a touch of hip-hop. Opener “Cali Sun” incorporates all of that, starting with […]

Collie Buddz ‘Good Life’ album review

Bermuda’s critically-praised reggae artist Collie Buddz releases his first proper full length album since his 2007 self-titled release made him a household name. After a long hiatus Collie Buddz has returned with an upbeat album that represents a fresh start artistically and personally. The album, titled Good Life showcases a diverging sound in which the […]

Dankrupt releases new EP CALIROCK. Listen here.

On Wednesday, May 17th, Los Angeles based band Dankrupt’s latest EP titled CALIROCK will hit the streets. To offer up a little taste of what this four piece band will bring, Top Shelf Reggae presents the opening track from the EP, “California Everyday.” CALIROCK is a monumental endeavor that's more than the sum of its parts […]

Mystic Roots Band ‘CHANGE’ album review

It’s not hard to pin down the classic hip hop, pop and reggae influences coursing through Northern California-based band Mystic Roots. The band’s latest album CHANGE is heavily indebted to their NorCal roots but manages to create a sound all their own. We are happy to present this album to the world; it brings many […]

Ozomatli’s ‘Non-Stop: Mexico to Jamaica’ album review

In their latest release, the Latin band, Ozomatli, has compiled some classic Latin songs, and with help from Sly & Robbie, has transformed these songs into some hip, reggae-infused music. In their album, Nonstop: Mexico to Jamaica, the band has gotten together with some of the most influential artists in the reggae and Latin music […]

Twiddle ‘PLUMP – Chapters 1 & 2’ album review

Vermont alternative reggae rockers Twiddle released their new double album PLUMP – Chapters 1 & 2 on April 28th that features a collection of tracks that have been reshaped by mastermind Ron St. Germaine (Bad Brains and 311) including the lead single “When It Rains It Pours.” The second disc however, is a collection of […]

Passafire set to release sixth full length album

Progressive reggae-rock pioneers Passafire will be releasing Longshot, their sixth full-length album – and third release on indie reggae powerhouse Easy Star Records – on May 12. The record is now available for pre-order, which includes two advance songs, “Longshot” and “Blow.” Those songs are also be on Spotify and other streaming services.  Longshot’s songs […]