Announcing The Eskimo Squad’s ‘City That Frosts’ 20 Year Anniversary Digital Release
Just in time for the end of NZ Music Month, Melbourne-based Kiwi musician and producer Oakley Grenell celebrates 23 years of his independent record label with the 20-year anniversary digital re-release of The Eskimo Squad’s City That Frosts double LP, available from Friday, 23 May 2025.
Following 2003’s Otautahi Allstars self-titled LP and his solo Uncharted LP as OG, Grenell relocated to London, where he was based on and off between 2003 – 2007. Arriving in the ‘City That Frosts’, he quickly reconnected with MC Raggadon – whom he had met in Christchurch the previous year and featured on standout track Sirens. Through Raggadon, Grenell was introduced to Wacklaa and Ishaka (the other two vocalists), and began crafting an audio backdrop to complement their unique and varied rhyming styles. Influenced by the UK’s thriving dancehall and reggae scene, there was no shortage of inspiration.
Take a trio of Caribbean artists – Montserrat volcano evacuees – and mix them with Christchurch native Oakley Grenell in the city that inspired the album’s name – London – and this is what you get. 100% authentic Caribbean vocal wit, dexterity and wordplay meet some of the finest NZ-made beat craftsmanship. Rhythmically and lyrically inspired by London’s clublands and cosmopolitan culture, as well as traditional Caribbean tempos, the project was pieced together with good old Kiwi ingenuity.
The album features the masterful mixing of Mike Petrie, who was also based in London at the time, and was mastered by Grammy Award-winner George Lambert (Alicia Keys, Busta Rhymes, A Tribe Called Quest) of Massive Master UK, whom Grenell met at a BBC Radio 1 music weekend in Brighton.
The Eskimo Squad performed regularly around London at venues like Café 1001, Cargo, Neighbourhood, and throughout the Brick Lane section of Shoreditch during those formative years.
“City That Frosts is the best thing to happen to hip hop so far this year. It’s hot, fresh and innovative, with a Kiwi twang and saturated in Caribbean flava. The beats are sensational…” – Tearaway
“The sounds on City That Frosts reinforce Grenell’s ability as a musician and producer, and illustrate his knack for connecting with a sweet hook and melody… 4 Stars.” – The Christchurch Press
