With the whiteboy reggae of the band Sublime selling records by the truckload, it seems about time The Dingees would make it. Originally a side project of now-labelmates The Supertones, they blend tight pop-punk with traditional roots reggae and ska, for a sound not unlike Hepcat (who lend their horn section for a couple of songs) or The Skatalites. Lead singer and songwriter Pegleg has an uncanny gift for insightful lyrics. Addressing such problems as racial stereotypes and drug abuse through the eyes of inner city youth, his knack for truly intelligent social observations is a talent that is not wasted through the 11 songs that make up Armageddon Massive. Standouts include the dancehall swagger of "Could Be Worse" (It's no wonder they'll amount to nothing ... they've been told they're just a product of chance) with its smooth organ and well-placed horn section, and the inspiring, marching "Rebel Youth," the kind of song that could become someone's anthem. They attack pop culture in the fast, pounding album opener "Ghetto Box Smash" and talk about the importance of standing up for yourself in "Another Burnin' City" (the less that you push, the more they can pull ... you'll break the mold if you start to grow). This is a truly thought-provoking album, and one that establishes The Dingees' place in the musical revolution to come.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Josh SpencerVariety is supposed to be the name of the game here, The Dingees claiming to be a collaboration of punk, ska, and reggae. I hear the first two styles on this advance six-song promo (full album coming March 24), but no reggae. I'm getting a strong Rancid vibe (but more friendly) from the four punk tracks--that bouncy, mid-tempo, rough-n-tumble, fun-to-sing-along punk style with ska overtones and…Similar sounding releases
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