Fight The Fight
Easy Star, 2019
8/10
A rising reggae artist who made appearances on the last two Protoje albums, Mortimer works alongside Grammy nominated producer Winta James to help fine tune these varied and spirited 6 tracks.
“Careful” starts the album with cozy horns and hazy rhythm in the groove filled and dub friendly atmosphere, and “Lightning” follows with a soft and soothing reggae spirit that’s filled with expressive singing from Mortimer that’s both soulful and breezy.
The back half of the listen offers us the dreamy title track, which takes heavy nods to Bob Marley, while the aptly titled “Style & Grace” hints at funk with strategic synth and reverb. “No Lies” ends the listen with some well executed R&B influences and pop melodica, as Mortimer exits just as strong as he started.
It’s not surprising that this EP landed at #3 on the Billboard Reggae Chart and #1 on the iTunes Reggae Chart, as Fight The Fight glides with a smooth and agile delivery where jazz, hip-hop and roots ideas are all part of Mortimer’s immediately memorable formula.
Travels well with: The Green- Black & White; The Expanders- Old Time Something Come Back Again, Vol. 2