The 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 two. The few horns are really low-key on the ska and reggae, the band relying more on bass, keyboards, and ska guitar. The last song is an acoustic off-key ballad to God ("all I got left to hold onto is you in my heart"). Every song is super hooky and singalong ready, from "Rally-O" to "Radio Freedom" to "Chevy Malibu" (hey, you can listen to their music "in your
car, in your car, in your car"). The bass lines are strong and deep, keeping to the reggae tradition.
But Sundown to Midnight is pop music all the way, which will probably turn off any true punks. The Dingees are like the Audio Adrenaline of the punk/ska/reggae scene. They sound nice and slick in the stereo and their songs stick in your head long after you hear them...but there's really no edge to their sound. It's all sanitized and streamlined, making it all but impossible to accept their pseudo-revolution lyrics. Not to mention that it's three white boys and a Hispanic dude making reggae. That's worse than white guys trying to rap. Still, I think I'll turn it up, because that bass sure thumps.
3 tocks
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…Art for the Ears 1999Reviewed by Marco PovervestFrom 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…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
