History
The Aggrolites are a prominent reggae ensemble from Los Angeles, California, widely recognized for their gritty, soul-infused sound often referred to as "dirty reggae." Formed in 2002, the group emerged from the merger of two local ska and reggae acts: the Vessels and the Rhythm Doctors. Initially, the ensemble came together to serve as the live backing band for the legendary Jamaican musician Derrick Morgan. Although a planned studio project with Morgan was never officially released, the chemistry developed during those sessions motivated the members to establish The Aggrolites as a permanent standalone entity.
Early Career and "Dirty Reggae"
The band quickly built a reputation for their raw, high-energy approach to traditional skinhead reggae and funk. In 2004, they released their debut album, Dirty Reggae, on the local label Axe Records. The recording process reflected the band's spontaneous energy; the entire album was tracked at Signet Studios in Los Angeles in a single day, with many tracks recorded in one take and several lyrics improvised on the spot.
Their distinct sound caught the attention of Hellcat Records, a subsidiary of Epitaph. After appearing on the compilation Give 'Em the Boot IV in late 2004, the band officially signed with the label in October 2005.
Commercial Success and Critical Recognition
In May 2006, the band released their self-titled sophomore effort, The Aggrolites. This 19-track collection solidified their place in the modern reggae scene with standout songs like "Countryman Fiddle" and "Mr. Misery." They followed this success in 2007 with Reggae Hit L.A., an album that earned them significant critical acclaim and won an IGN award for Best Reggae Album of the year.
The band's fourth full-length studio album, IV, arrived in June 2009. The record performed well on the CMJ charts, peaking at #60 on the Top 200 and #37 on the Triple A chart, further expanding their reach into the commercial alternative market. In 2011, the band continued their prolific output with the release of Rugged Road.
Collaborations and Media Appearances
The Aggrolites have maintained a dual identity as both a headlining act and a premier backing band for legendary artists. Throughout their career, they have performed alongside icons such as Phyllis Dillon and Prince Buster. They also collaborated extensively with Tim Armstrong of Rancid, serving as the backing band for his 2007 solo album, A Poet's Life.
The group has also made inroads into popular culture through television. They appeared on the Nick Jr. program Yo Gabba Gabba!, where they performed the original song "Animal Sounds." This appearance, facilitated by Christian Jacobs of The Aquabats, introduced their signature sound to a younger generation of listeners.
Discography
