Based on a True Story

When you're from New Zealand, you don't play reggae quite like they do in Jamaica. One listen to Based on a True Story’s opening track, "Ernie," should provide ample evidence: It begins with a piano, a wobbly synthesizer, and what sounds like a pixelated New Orleans brass band, before the laidback rhythms kick in. With hints of jazz and downbeat electronica, this is perfect beach music, complete with sunshine-friendly lyrics: The "Cay's Crays" chorus "The skank be the rock in my life" sums up their worldview.