BBQ’s! Reggae! One can immediately anticipate the naysayers with an oversimplified derision to two things that Kiwis actually bloody like. Almost as disingenuous as the previously and incorrectly used ‘Wellie-dub’ term. Independently released, ‘Bays’ the fourth and latest release from Wellington stalwarts, Fat Freddy’s Drop. For sure, there are reggae-laced tunes here, the excellent Slings And Arrows and, a personal fave, 10 Feet Tall. The album kicks off with a lovely revisit to an old tune, Wairunga Blues, a lovely shuffle-based groove, with the easily-recognisable Dallas Tamaira laying down some more beautiful vocals. Wheels delivers just a touch of afro over a four on the floor beat, another constant element of the album, either on the tune Razor or the storming Cortina Motors – surely a favourite of Cortina appreciator Julien Dyne. There are touches of the more downbeat angle with Makkan and Fish In The Sea, with the almost blues of Novak providing a closer. Recorded at FFD general headquarters in Wellington, overseen by the master, Mu, this album is a suitably fine follow on from all their previous releases. And as always, to this listener, there is a sense of momentum in the production, interspersed with live instrumentation from the band and select guests. Breaking new ground? Possibly not. A bloody good album? Absolutely.