"Liam Bailey, born and raised in Nottingham, England, the son of an English mother and Jamaican father got his early influences from his mom’s record collection. Bob Marley and Dillinger, Stevie Wonder and The Supremes, The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix would eventually shape the singer/songwriter we know today. On the surface, Ekundayo is a weighty Reggae record, full of new and old textured riddims. But listen more in-depth, and you'll find subject matter that's more recognizable from a modern-day R&B record. An example of the former is the first single off the album. Sung to the most beautiful woman at the nightspot, 'Champion' is a joyous anthem powered by a silly-thick Juno-bass throb and 808-proof drums. In short, 'Champion' is dancehall-ready. But then there's a song like 'Don't Blame NY.' Moody and sparse with a somber drive, you might have to resist the urge to compare it to a Frank Ocean-ish type vibe. Liam's voice is in a different but fitting element here, showing stripped-back emotion and soulful restraint. Anyone who has lived and tried to thrive in New York won't have a hard time relating to the lyrics but they may join the masses who blame the city, while Liam points the finger at himself and sings praises to The Big Apple. Credit to Leon Michels' hand, elements of Jamaican production are everywhere, peppered throughout the record. Like the pitch-perfect organ stabs that push through the authentically positive 'White Light,' or the muted, percussive guitar strums that chug along in the back of 'Fight.'" - Big Crown Records
- debut full-length from British-born reggae singer Liam Bailey
- translucent red colored vinyl
- produced by El Michels Affair
- limited edition
- music label: Big Crown Records 2020
