The Rhythmites

The Rhythmites are a six piece reggae outfit based in Bath. Using a pastiche of musical influences they build on a heavy roots foundation, reworking the traditional format of reggae to create their own unique sound.

Formed as a three piece in November 1986, the then unknown band served its apprenticeship playing benefits and free festivals. Through this well defined underground network they built up a small, but hard-core following, nationwide.

By 1988 they had established themselves on the club circuit and their following was growing, as was the size of the band which now numbered six. This included a didgeridoo player making them the first European band to use this unusual instrument.

1989 saw them record their first album, at Southern Studios the then home of On-U sounds. Following the success of their debut LP Integration, an appearance on BBC's Deff II followed and they were flown to Sicily to represent the UK for W.O.M.A.D.

The period between 1990-92 has seen their sound expand, tighten and mature. Touring relentlessly over this period, The Rhythmites have played in Germany, Holland, Belgium and Italy. They have supported Misty n Roots, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Macka B, Bim Sherman, African Head Charge, Dub Syndicate to name but a few.

1993, the band now at its full strength, numbering nine is busy recording again. A 3 month European tour set for March, including India. They have also recently been interviewed by MTV for a programme to be shown later in the year.

Head and shoulders above most of the locally produced reggae in Bristol, of recent years, this band chill out, where others merely cool. (Mike Gartside)

Makes you wonder if reggae music is dying on its feet. The Rhythmites dispelled any such notions producing a set that proves reggae is alive and punching out some wicked bass lines.

I happened to stumble onto one of the best reggae bands in the world. They are the Rhythm-ites. They sound more like a fine tuned reggae orchestra than a band. They have a well seasoned blend of punctured rhythm and energetic exotic sounds. All seems tied together by the singers high pitched voice. The extra instruments include didgeridoo and synthesizers with an excellent drummer that keeps the band together with a super-glue beat that is intensified with a strike to your bones bassist that thunders like a might storm. The didgeridoo is an Aboriginal instrument that is a hollow wooden tube blown through that gives off the effect of vibrating thunder, a damn good mix. They have an album in the works for Blurg and were finishing the mixing in August, so any time now.

FLIPSIDE (American Magazine)

Only the Rhythmites step beyond mere musical ability, to put across a theme that is as pertinent as it is simple. Using a didgeridoo to inspire effect, they feed off reggae's classic obsessions and twist them into a sound for the nineties. Harking back to the era when music was driven by bands as opposed to DJs.

Rhythmites releases include:
Integration - album on the S.R.D. label, Stepping Onwards - album and Dub of Independence / X-Files 12 inch both on the One Voice label.
Also they have appeared on the following compilation albums: Planet Dub - on Ultimate Records, Dub out West 2 - on Nubian Records, Continental Drift CD and recently on Beyond Planet Dub - Ultimate Records.

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