From the Dingees debut-album Armageddon Massive I only heard one song (Bullet Proof) so I can't really compare the new one with it. Sundown To Midnight proves however that you can't describe them just as a ska-band, though that's where their roots must be. And they're affiliated closely to the Supertones. The band was once started by two Supertones and vocalist Peg Leg. That the Dingees aren't a typical ska-band is proven immediately by the opening-track Rally-O which is more in the punkrock tradition. The second song, Can't Trust No Man, is more like ska but at the same time it bends over to reggae. There's even a couple of clear reggae tunes like Trial & Tribulation which reminds me of the days when bands like UB40 were big. Most songs are relaxed songs, slow paced, but only in four of them there's place for distorted guitars. These are the punkrock tunes like the fast Staff Sgt. Skreba. I read a review of this album in which it was described as punkrock. That doesn't do these guys justice. The focus is on the slow-paced ska/reggae and they do it well.
Other coverage for this album
7ball #26Reviewed by J. Edward KeyesAs the Christian ska fad lurches into its 14th minute of fame, it's easy to give plaudits to any band willing to position itself outside the skinny-tied juvenalia that has usually accompanied the late '90s brass-bound punk-in-sheep's clothing. On that note, Southern California's Dingees score beaucoup points: They are one of a dwindling number of outfits that eschew kiddie-humor lyrics while…HM Magazine #79Reviewed by Doug Van PeltThis new Dingees album has all the ingredients you expected great melodic yet bratty vocals, nice songs, and fun lyrics. Thrown in are some ska upbeats (a la Squad Five O) and the occasional horn ("Votes and Violence"). Last year's Armageddon Massive had a little hotter sound in places (mostly the guitars). It's hard to critique this album, as it's all over the place. "Trial Tribulation" is…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Josh SpencerThe Dingees have carved out their own unique niche in the ska/punk feeding frenzy these days, by adding a hefty dose of reggae and separating each style by song, rather than fusing them like other bands. Their sophomore release Sundown to Midnight is roughly one-third bouncy mid-range punk ala Rancid, one-third ska, and one-third whiteboy reggae, with some blurring of the lines between the latter…Similar sounding releases
1999The O.C. SupertonesChase the Sun
1999Common RiderLast Wave Rockers
1999The ChinkeesPeace Through Music
2000Five Iron FrenzyAll the Hype That Money Can Buy
2003The InsyderzSoundtrack to a Revolution
1998Big Dog Small FenceBig Dog Small Fence
