Los Billtones (CH)Warm-Up DJ-Set: Alex aka The AmpliFire

Los Billtones sound as if they had stepped out of another era. As if someone had found a 50-year-old record in the attic, briefly blown the dust off it and then cranked up the turntable.

Inspired by rocksteady greats such as The Paragons, Keith & Tex and the young Bob Marley, the Zurich band draws on the Jamaican sound of the 60s and 70s, the era when Early Reggae gradually emerged from ska.

The stories the seven-piece band tells in its songs are personal yet timeless. Los Billtones sing about unrequited love, longing and hope in three-part harmony. In between, organ, trombone and guitar try to outdo one another with heart-rending melodies. With solid riddims and soulful charm, no one can keep still.

Jan Looser - vocals / rhythm guitar
Franz Flückiger - organ
Mario Schläpfer - lead guitar
Linus Sax - drums
Paul Märki - bass
Andreas Leuppi - vocals / trombone