18th Parallel (Various Artists) - All Fruits Ripe (Release Date: 24.04.2026)



 Anticipating the New Drops – Fruits Records Brings Modern Roots Perfection

It’s a bit of a surreal experience to write about an album before its official release. Although only three tracks and their dub versions have landed in the Afro-Soul Sound digital mailbox so far, I can already state: April 24th cannot come soon enough.

Fruits Records – Swiss Quality, Modern Roots Tuning 

Coming soon from the Swiss label Fruits Records is an 11-track modern roots LP. Fruits Records is a name you need to etch into your memory—right alongside established Swiss heavyweights like Evidence Music and Cultural Warrior. They excel at unearthing the finest Jamaican vocalists and deep-rooted traditions, transplanting them into a world of modern production and swaying basslines.

Traditional Stepper Vibes with Real Veterans 

Forget the aggressive, "pounding" steppers so trendy today. From the very first track, Micah Shemaiah’s "To Be Free," you are transported back to 1970s Jamaica. I believe even hardcore UK stepper fans will vibe with this, and the dub version is a guaranteed floor-shaker, especially in front of a proper sub. A huge shout-out to the producer for the harmonica; it’s not the lead instrument, but the tune would lose its unique character without it.

After that strong stepper start, the legendary Rod Taylor follows, though his contribution isn’t available for preview just yet. I assume they’re saving the biggest "bang" for the actual release date. Moving on to what we can listen to: the closing track of Side A by Var (and its dub) slows the tempo slightly but maintains a similar arrangement (minus the harmonica). The style of this Jamaican artist could make gospel singers envious—his praise of Jah isn't a marketing gimmick; it clearly comes from the heart and soul.

No "Filler" on the B-Side neither 

The start of Side B gave me instant goosebumps. Keith Rowe (of Keith & Tex?) delivers a "love" tune that both cradles you and leaves you wondering: how can such vocals sit so perfectly atop such a heavy stepper bass? Big up to both the artist and the producer.

Itral Ites: The Singer Discovered by Augustus Pablo 

The album continues with Itral Ites. According to the artist's recollections, his first tracks were recorded by the legendary Augustus Pablo in the mid-90s. Sadly, those were never released due to Pablo’s passing in 1999. Itral Ites worked a regular job until his return to music in 2019; now, he appears as a real veteran on this Swiss release. His track "No More I Will Roam" is a worthy tribute to the legacy of Dennis Brown, who sang perhaps the most famous reggae version of this song in the 70s. For now, one more track remains under wraps: Hezron’s "Keep On Keeping On."

Pre-orders and Versions 

The album drops on April 24th and is already available for pre-order on the label’s Bandcamp page.

  • Black Vinyl: 25 CHF (approx. 10,000 HUF)

  • CD: 15 CHF

  • Limited Edition: 53 CHF (Limited to 100 copies, featuring a screen-printed cover and an A5 poster).

IMPORTANT: The label notes that standard shipping does not include insurance or tracking. These can be requested for an additional fee.

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18th Parallel (Various Artists) - All Fruits Ripe (24.04.2026)