EVER got the impression you've been asked to do something because either no-one else wants to or that they don't feel they could get their head around what's on offer?
That's not to say there's limitations. Far from it, but when you're asked to go to review five bands whose common denominator is Ska/Reggae with splashes of other genres in some form or another then an open mind is the very least you have to go into it with.
- View a Slideshow of photos from the gig
I'll be the first to admit that on face value the crib sheet didn't describe what I'd choose to listen to, but, hey open mind!
First up a Leeds-based band, Fulibulbus, described as hip hop, reggae with infectious riffs, dance beats and a heady mix of rock and ska. Is that my review written? Far from it. Best described in comparison by taking a slight Rage Against The Machine style, put a Yorkshire hip hop vocal over it, Ska'ing it up, adding a horn section to parts and throwing it at the masses. Then you get a modicum of The Specials, with more depth but with that rawness of a band who haven't been grabbed by some studio wizard. These guys are tight and very good at what they do. My scene? Not really, but as one guy said when asked for an opinion, 'proper wicked, awesome and ace'. Hey, who am I to argue.
Next up it's Catch It Kebabs. You've just got to love these guys, if only for the name. More bouncy and funtime than the first band, without trying to take anything away from them. They're fundamentally Ska, but have a swing about them which you just can't stop moving to. A groove, if you like, and a tendency to change tempo at will without missing a beat. Describing themselves as 'swing-core ska/punk' is getting things pretty close as you listen to them, but it takes a few tracks to hear it all. There's a calypso edge to their delivery and the punk is subtle, which sounds strange but they've made it work. This band is damn good. Good enough to see again? Absolutely. There's a reason they're signed, albeit to a little indie label. They're as tight as it gets and have to be given there were nine of them on the little Town Mill stage.
Grain were due on next, but it wasn't to be. The night was cut from a five band show to four for a very good reason. They'd split up. Pretty much the best reason there is for a band not to play really!
10 o'clock Horses were next up. Any band who take to a stage in a small town in the middle of England sporting a Didgeridoo player has to grab your attention. That and the little powerhouse on the violin who not only can play, but has a damn good voice. Where she hides that, God only knows! A more folk orientated element to the night which mixes things up well. The Ska/Reggae tinge is still there, but then I guess they wouldn't be on if they were some hardcore extreme punk band. There's a deepness to their music. Almost dark and intriguing in places. A few people said these were the band they'd come to see and a mixed following it was too, with a few punk types in the audience. That could have something to do with the Irish slant to some of their songs. A little Levellers with a hint of Pogues in places. The violin was worked well, reminiscent of 'The Devil Went Down To Georgia' at times. These guys are pretty much all over the place, but keep within certain boundaries. You'll not hear them banging out Metallica or such like, but Ska, Folk, Irish/American and a little Calypso in places will certainly come at you when they play.
Finally it was Urban Dub. Now I'm not so sure about these. A little dark and mysterious in places with a ska edge, but they also get a little lively. I guess this is the element of the night which takes more thinking about. Maybe an open mind and ear isn't enough if this isn't your thing and to be fair it wasn't mine. Good at what they do, but not something I'd overly take time out to take in. Fair play to them for going out on the road as this form of music generally stays in the studio. Some would say it's the best place for it as it does it more justice, but to my untrained ear they've taken it out of its confines and made it work live. To those who like the genre anyway, if you like dub then check them out as it's, well, dub.
Well the evening certainly was interesting for want of a better word. For me Katch It Kebabs stole the show with their presence and upbeat tempo. The crowd seem to have a good time with all the bands which at the end of the day is the main thing.
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