Led by Boss Van Trigt, The Upsessions drew inspiration for this album from an era when reggae artists, influenced by Italian westerns, began exploring the themes of the Wild West. When you think about it, the story behind this is pretty interesting. From the 17th century onwards, the colonisation of the North American continent brought settlers from various European countries to America. Later, American and Italian filmmakers took inspiration from the romanticised era of westward expansion, particularly the second half of the 19th century, and began making westerns in the 1950s. These films, in turn, influenced Jamaican musicians, who started creating reggae inspired by the Wild West. Two obvious examples are The Upsetters and their Dollar In The Teeth, or Derrick Harriott and The Crystalites with their instrumental A Fistful of Dollars. Now The Upsessions have picked up that long-abandoned gauntlet and, together with Monty Neysmith, returned to this era on their album Sheriff Double Gun.

Musically, this is a revival of rocksteady, early reggae and traditional reggae that stays true to its roots without making any significant attempts to modernise the original sound. The Upsessions know exactly where their influences come from, and their interpretation feels natural and convincing. There is no hint of a shift towards more modern forms of reggae or an attempt to adapt to current trends. The band relies on characteristic rhythms, prominent bass lines, keyboards and horns, all of which help recreate the atmosphere of classic Jamaican recordings. The western theme is not just a decorative touch or an excuse for the album artwork, either. It blends naturally with the musical foundation and gives the record its own distinctive character.

This is precisely the kind of sound that has found a place in the hearts of today’s reggae fanatics, who gather around early reggae crews and spend their hard-earned cash on vintage vinyl singles released by labels such as Trojan and Pama and their various imprints from that era. The album contains thirteen tracks, and the musicians deliver a thoroughly accomplished performance. The songs draw on tried-and-tested genre conventions, but the album never feels like a mere copy of old recordings. The Upsessions manage to capture their atmosphere, rhythmic lightness and ability to get people onto the dancefloor. This is music that needs neither complicated arrangements nor grand gestures. All it takes is a properly laid-down bass line, a rhythm section that keeps you moving and melodies that get under your skin.

I spent several days trying to figure out how to define this album, but I couldn’t come up with anything particularly original. Then again, I don’t think that’s necessary at all. If you like traditional Jamaican sounds without detours into pop or songs about marijuana and Jah, you’ll get exactly what you’re looking for here. If your dancing shoes go well with a checked shirt and a Friday night on the dancefloor, you’re right at home. And if you also fancy a pot of beans for lunch, prairie dust in your eyes and a loaded gun tucked beneath your poncho, you’ll enjoy Sheriff Double Gun even more.

The Upsessions deliver revival in the very best sense of the word. This is music for traditionalists, and fans of classic Jamaican sounds should be delighted. I’m glad that even in 2026, there are still bands who know how to play this style and bring its good old atmosphere back into the game. Sheriff Double Gun is a heartfelt tribute to a fascinating chapter in music history and a reminder that a good rhythm never gets old.

TOP TRACKS: Mary Jane, Chickenbody Dandy, Calamity Jane