Arriving onto our radar in mid 2015 with a rocksteady cover of Etta James’ classic ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’, our initial assumption of The Frightnrs was that we’d stumbled upon an excitingly rare Jamaican relic from the late 60s. But after doing some digging around their Brooklyn-based funk and soul label Daptone Records, we were surprised to find out that behind this beautifully antiquated sound was actally four super-talented young guys from Queens, New York.
One year on and the band have completed their debut LP, Nothing More To Say, fusing Jamaican rocksteady, reggae, dancehall and dub with rich Caribbean inflections. Today we premiere our favourite track off the album, ‘Gotta Find A Way’, which centres around lead singer Dan Klein’s magical vocals that twist and turn in amongst a vintage syncopated groove from the rhythm section. Backing vocal harmonies add heavenly texture whilst analog organs seep in and out on the 2’s and 4’s.
This premiere comes with the sad news that The Frightnrs’ lead singer Dan Klein passed away in June 2016 after being diagnosed with ALS in November of 2015. With Nothing More to Say being released next month, The Frightnrs have issued a brilliant final testament to their late friend. You can learn more about ALS and help support the UK foundation here.
The Frightnrs’ Nothing More To Say is available for pre-order now right here.
