N-Soul's Eclectica sub-label picked up this little ska-core compilation originally put together as an indie project. It definitely sounds like an indie production, with fairly raw recordings of 22 different bands. And it pushes on both ends of the "ska-core" label as some of it is fairly two-tone and some of it is pretty flat-out punk. It's a little difficult to get a good feel for how each of these bands would sound given a full production budget. Hearing The Insyderz do "The Walking Dead" here and comparing it with the version from Motor City Ska, makes it very clear that this album is not a finely polished creation. But it does serve as an introduction to a variety of up and coming acts.
One of my favorite tracks is Big Dog Small Fence's "Finite" with a nice bass groove, pretty good blend on the brass, and some thoughtful lyrics. Hearing The Israelites' contribution ("Israelite Train") makes me wish I hadn't missed them at Cornerstone last year. And the coolest band name on the compilation has got to be GenkideSka (a little play on a Japanese phrase). The goofiest track comes from Zion Youth Group ("Servin'"), the content of which reflects the band name quite well.
If you're really looking for some new bands to check out in the future, you might want to check this out as a reference point, but it has not earned a place in my listening rotation.
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Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Corey WeltonNo matter where you hail from, it's hard to ignore the fact that the latest incarnation of the ska revival and trend has hit America, and hit hard. After years of hiding on the shelves, bands like The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and The Skatalites have been selling like hotcakes, attesting to this most recent ska revival. As with most popular trends, the Christian community has found a way to use…
