IRIEspect “Lost In Time” (EP)

Long Island-based powerhouse IRIEspect returns with Lost In Time, a five-track EP that boldly confirms the band’s status as one of the most versatile and dynamic acts in modern reggae fusion. Signed to Dubshot Records, IRIEspect has spent the last several years cultivating a devoted following across New York, the Tristate, and the greater Northeast, performing over two hundred live shows and sharing stages with icons like Collie Buddz, The Original Wailers, and Steel Pulse. With this EP, they consolidate that momentum into a project that is as infectious as it is musically ambitious.

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From the outset, Lost In Time demonstrates the band’s uncanny ability to blend genres with effortless fluidity. Opening track “Want Me Too,” featuring Ras Ajai of Sean Paul’s Dutty Rock Records, is a bright, beachy single packed with steel pan textures, uplifting melodies, and a radio-ready energy that immediately draws listeners into the world of IRIEspect. The synergy between Ras Ajai’s vocal charisma and the band’s polished production creates a track that feels equally at home in a summer playlist or a festival set.

“Nuh Leave Mi Alone,” featuring Kingston’s Skygrass, shifts the tone to a tougher, dancehall-driven anthem. Built for clubs, parties, and festival speakers, the track highlights IRIEspect’s ability to channel raw energy without sacrificing melodic sensibility. Skygrass’s commanding delivery blends seamlessly with the band’s intricate rhythms, reinforcing their reputation as a group unafraid to explore the harder edges of reggae.

The title track, “Lost,” showcases the band’s compositional depth and musicianship. With soaring horn lines, nuanced dynamics, and a rootsy foundation, the song captures an emotional richness that stands in contrast to the more upbeat singles. This is IRIEspect at their most artful, proving that their talent extends beyond high-energy hooks into thoughtful, layered arrangements that reward repeated listening.

The band’s global sensibilities are further revealed in “Me Gustas Tu,” a vibrant reimagining of Manu Chao’s classic hit. Sung in both English and Spanish and infused with Latin reggae and hip hop elements, the track features a melodica solo and demonstrates the band’s ability to traverse international sounds while maintaining their signature style. This track is particularly striking in the way it merges reggae’s relaxed feel with rhythmic complexity, appealing to audiences far beyond the American Northeast.

Closing the EP, “Dangerous,” featuring Duvbear (Shalom Miller, son of Matisyahu), delivers a raw, punk-infused reggae rock punch that rounds out the project with grit and edge. The track balances high-energy performance with thoughtful dynamics, illustrating the band’s capacity to shift moods while remaining cohesive as a unit.

Lost In Time positions IRIEspect as a genre-blending force with festival-ready energy, technical prowess, and undeniable charisma. Fans of Bob Marley, Sublime, Stick Figure, Manu Chao, Tropidelic, and Rebelution will find plenty to enjoy. With this EP, IRIEspect not only consolidates their impressive live reputation but also stakes a claim as a modern, forward-thinking voice in reggae and fusion music.

Mark Druery