Fat Freddy’s Drop already commanded a devoted cult following when the Wellington ensemble released Based on a True Story in 2005. The band’s concerts were gaining legendary status and—as documented on 2001’s well-circulated Live at the Matterhorn—their slow-burn songs thoughtfully blurred the lines between dub, reggae, funk and soul. This studio debut captures many of their live staples in pristine form, thanks to months of meticulous mixing from Chris Faiumu (DJ Mu), during an intense tour schedule. Based on a True Story sets the template for the rest of Fat Freddy’s Drop’s career, valuing a generous depth of space and sincerity of vibe. Opener “Ernie” unfolds with a considered groove and subtle effects before Joe Dukie’s vocals enter after more than four minutes. The full-length version of the band’s breakthrough single, “Wandering Eye”, especially leans into the soul influences in Dukie’s delivery. Shapeshifter vocalist P.Digsss and rapper Ladi6 guest on “Roady”, while Hollie Smith contributes a passionate vocal turn to the warm, jazzy crawl of the closing “Hope”. The album became a landmark grassroots success in New Zealand, earning platinum sales many times over and becoming one of the country’s best-selling albums of all time by a local artist. It also scored three New Zealand Music Awards, inspired countless other Antipodean dub and reggae acts and became an international calling card for Fat Freddy’s Drop, earning the attention of Gilles Peterson and other overseas tastemakers. Their sound continued to evolve and expand on subsequent albums, but this is where their journey begins.