"32 years" ago I saw Maroon Town perform for the first time in the Amsterdam Melkweg. I bought the LP "High and Dry" a few months before that at Boudisque (tip from Ingmar ) and turned it all gray, so I'm pretty nervous for this performance. What a sound, what a band and what great songs. That night I first heard "Goodbye to the Empire" (not on LP, but on a previously released EP) and was sold. That summer I found that EP in London and then it's been in my record case for years when I played somewhere. The song has become a red thread in my life, mentioned in interviews as my favourite ska song, heard it as an intro when The Beatbusters came on, saw people go crazy when I played it at ska parties all over the Netherlands, enjoyed it live again in London Hootananny and Cologne ( Freedom Sounds Festival ) where I got to see the band live again.

“First they came down in one's and two's. and then, as the music...”

“They are extremely talented musicians that play great Ska music that makes you feel good about yourself and want to get up and dance – it makes you feel really great to be alive and kicking! If I ran the universe then it would be compulsory to go and see this band live at every opportunity! If you are a fan of Ska, Reggae, or Hip Hop then definitely check this band out and prepare to be amazed!”

“Colombo goes wild with Maroon Town February 25 was a night to remember. The air was filled with throbbing drum beats, frenzied guitar riffs and the mad blare of the saxophone. As the music cut through the air, sitting down was out of the question. Bodies writhed, arms and legs were thrown around, heads "banged" as those present tried to keep up to the music. It was pulsating, gyrating, heady stuff and it went on and on...almost punishing those who stood up to dance. The crowd danced like there was no tomorrow.There was no stopping now. It was pure 'mind blasting' rock music provided by Maroon Town. It was overwhelming, fascin-ating...it was oooh baby! This was it- the ultimate-balm for the restless soul. The band Maroon Town from London was in Sri Lanka from February 25 - 29. Performing in Colombo, Gall”

“Thursday, May 31, 2018 Duff Review: Maroon Town "Freedom Call" Brixton Records CD/LP/digital 2018 (Review by Steve Shafer) Maroon Town dedicate their incredibly powerful sixth album Freedom Call to "the marginalised, the dispossessed, 'the other' because any of us could be in these categories--and many of us are" and reminds the listener that "freedom means having the confidence to express yourself, to live without fear, to not be judged by appearance or status or race or religion... freedom means celebrating the gift of life on this planet." These are heavy, profound, and highly empathic sentiments relating to seemingly intractable, global problems (we human beings still can't seem to find a way to treat each other with respect and as equals) that Maroon Town have transformed into extraordinary, uplifting songs full of fiercely good Skatalites-like ska or roots reggae combined with choice bits of rap and soul. The central (and best) track on the album is the massive, should-be-a-h”

“This album incorporates almost everything you can think of and blends them in a vivacious manner, creating a thoroughly enjoyable album that almost resembles a cultural voyage.”

“the new stuff is stellar--and the album serves as a terrific primer on the band for newcomers.”

“The Guardian's music team pick the songs or albums, old or new, they just can't turn off”

“Maroon Town in Jamaica”