Vibes galore! After killing it on a few well received 45's, the Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band finally step out with their long awaited full length album. 55 finds BRSB bringing the steel band sound to modern ears with a wicked selection of steel band covers and re-interpolations of funk staples and hip-hop favorites. Multi-instrumentalist and band leader Bjorn Wagner pushes the steel pan to new and uncharted territory with an incredibly wide range of tunes including a smoothed out cover of John Holt's reggae classic "Police In Helicopter," a sure shot cover of Faith Evans' 90's r&b jam "Love Like This," 50 Cent's "P.I.M.P.," the J-Dilla flip "Bacao Suave," Cat Stevens' digger fave "Was Dog A Doughnut," and Dennis Coffey's b-boy staple "Scorpio." Equally impressive (if not more so) to the covers are the BRSB originals that prove the group is more than just a cover band. Check the spaced out disco groove on "Beetham Highway Ride," or the mean chug of "Port Of Spain Hustle." Impressive stuff! 

• double vinyl pressing
• digital download included
• music label: Big Crown Records 2016

reviewed by troglodyte 05/2016