Review: The Expanders – Hustling Culture

The Expanders
Hustling Culture

Easy Star Records
Street: 06.16
The Expanders = The Aggrolites x Toots & the Maytals

Hustling Culture is the work of genius reggae purists. The Expanders have an effortless sound, recalling the bands they hail as their inspirations, such as The Ethiopians. “Top Shelf” is easily the most infectious track on the album, with the words “top shelf Cali weed” sung in three-part harmony over a breezy backbeat. The Expanders exemplify the roots movement, keeping their style simple and upbeat with a bubbling reggae organ and rolling bass lines. The Expanders aren’t bringing their positive vibes to Salt Lake on their tour, and I think that’s a damn shame, but Hustling Culture is the album to get addicted to this summer. –Ali Shimkus