For fans of: Tropical Grooves

What they're saying: A review at the Scratched Vinyl blog dispels doubt in Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band’s ability to elevate the steel-drum band formula: “They take a formula that could have easily been a novelty, but they push past that and force listeners to take the steel drum for its full potential as part of soul, funk and hip hop.” The Endless Crate blog had this to add: “As the title implies, Expansions finds BRSB branching out, introducing a variety of tempos and covering a wide swath of sounds that are sure to please fans of most (good) genres.” And Eli Schoop at Bancamp Daily praises Expansions for its successful though unlikely fusion: “Successful cross-cultural pollination like that on Expansions has to come from a love and knowledge of the music it is embracing, coupled with a playful spirit and a knowing wink at its audience. Call it kitsch, call it corny, but when the grooves are this good, it’s simply undeniable.”

What we say: Lightly funky steel band instrumentals that make for a perfect soundtrack for summertime leisure. Plenty of familiar hits get the loving steel-drum treatment including an excellent cover of Jay-Z's "Dirt Off Your Shoulder”