Phonosonics - New Again (Vinyl)

New Again is the long-awaited full-length album from the Phonosonics. Since 2015 this Victoria, Canada-based Rocksteady and Early Reggae revival group has gone from critical darling and indie radio favourite to playing with such legends as the Wailers, Leroy Sibbles and Sister Nancy and features on some of the biggest Reggae radio shows on the planet. Production began on New Again in late 2018. Giants of the Reggae world, such as Mr. Heptone himself, Horseman, Montreal’s Dr. Watson, and Roger Rivas of the Aggrolites were recruited for guest spots on the record. The original release was slated for mid-2020, but was unfortunately sidelined by the COVID 19 pandemic. To give fans a taste, Beautiful Things was released as a single, which has garnered a quarter-million streams to day. Against considerable odds, the group persevered and completed production in time for a November 2021 release. New Again showcases the evolution of Phonosonics’ sound. The group began with producer and multi-instrumentalist Spencer Cleave playing all instruments on the recordings, and this album includes one final song in that format. This provides an interesting contrast with the remainder of the album which has a live feel, with some tunes even being tracked live off the floor as a group. Ned Saric’s steady hand on the drum kit is felt throughout, but particularly on tracks like “Rebecca”, the album’s upbeat ska number. Luis Meneses, the latest addition to the group, brings a fantastic low-end compliment on bass. Co-producer Anthony Shackell adds soaring trumpet lines and contributes his songwriting talent with “Get There Slow”. Aidan Snider brings guitar and vocals to the mix as well as writing and singing lead for “I Was Wrong”. Elle Crossley’s pristine harmonies bring the vintage soul vibe to these Rocksteady classics. Will Lynch’s keyboard virtuosity is particularly felt on tracks like Take Me for Granted. This is to say nothing of the guest artists on this album: Leroy “Heptone” Sibbles provides a gorgeous rendering of the soul classic “Me and Mrs. Jones”; Roger Rivas of The Aggrolites contributes his amazing keyboard stylings to “La Dama, La Isla”; and Horseman and Dr. Watson round out a Dub Remix of Phonosonics’ debut single with “Dark-Haired Dub”. All this adds up to an album of classic Rocksteady, Ska and Early Reggae music featuring Reggae greats from around the world. With gorgeous melodies, heavy grooves and a positive message, the Phonosonics want you to know that it’s never too late to turn it all back around, and make it new again.