Fat Freddy's Drop Hope

• Words: Ron Nachmann
• Label: Kartel

Time for the world to fully wake up to this apparently magical, dub-infused live soul/funk/jazz group from New Zealand. Almost a year after getting their debut single of bubbling reggae, "Midnight Marauders," picked up by discerning Berlin label Best Seven, the Drop hits us with a 10" of more laconic roots that's almost gospelly in its build and inspirational feel. "Hope" finds lead singer Joe Dukie chanting about "hope for a generation" and busting out some jazzy call-and-response with the horn sections in an orgy of heartfelt sonic soul. Flip for "Bluey," an equally subtle, almost cinematic bit of instrumental, Coltrane-inspired, early-AM jazz-reggae. Solid.