New Town Kings – ‘Pack Up Bye Bye’ (Official Video) 2015
The video was produced by Sam Bear, and the track was produced by Paul Tipler.
Ahead of a busy summer festival schedule, Essex-based ska-reggae upstarts New Town Kings are back with a brand new single, ‘Pack Up Bye Bye’, due for release on 24th July.
The group’s blend of old-school Jamaican rhythms with a fresh dose of UK-inspired ska has steadily earned them a reputation as one of the most exciting names in British reggae – with their sophomore album ‘M.O.J.O’ being described by Punktastic as ‘lusciously layered, crisp, sharp, and emotive’.
More recently, their EP ‘Pull Up and Rewind’ received extensive support from BBC Radio 1Xtra’s David Rodigan, where the band were featured on his spotlight show dedicated to British reggae talent.
Their latest track is a simmering summer rocksteady tune reminiscent of the lovers’ rock of Dennis Brown. Frontman Dabs Bonner comments: “the lyric explores themes of relationship angst to the backdrop of a timeless New Town groove”.
Hailing from New Town, Essex, the Kings’ modern twist on classic Jamaican music has seen them tour the country with the likes of The Skints, Gentlemen’s Dub Club and US reggae legends The Aggrolites. Tireless performers, the nine-piece have clocked up over 500 shows across 10 different countries since their formation.
Their enviable live reputation has continued to grow through 2015, with the band having already played alongside The Specials singer Neville Staple and at Bearded Theory Festival. This summer will see them return to Boomtown Festival and Rebellion Festival ahead of a European tour in support of New York ska legends The Slackers in September.
As well as preparing to entertain live crowds with their sun-soaked sound, the band have also begun work on their third album – clearly this hardworking group are showing no signs of hanging up their horns just yet.
“The latest video from the Kings explores the darker side of romance in an explosion of colour. The video sees the band cast as scrap book cut-outs and thrown into unfortunate situations in the mind’s eye of a jealous Puppet Master. Featuring exploding volcanoes, an omniscient spurned partner with multiple personalities and laser eyes, and a frontman floating in lava in a barrel – the video is a must watch.”
