Unglued Reviews

Big D And The Kids Tableā€™s third album opens with Steady Riot, a heartfelt tribute to the bandā€™s local Boston scene. As much fun as it is, itā€™s not much different to most third-wave ska punk, such as the group have offered on past full-lengths. But if you expect the entire album to follow in similar vein, youā€™re in for a surprise, as the band have developed more sides than most third-wave bands.

The infectious Noise Complaint has a nutty nutty sound and is practically a novelty track, sounding just like what itā€™s about: an out of control party, Shining On is a laid-back sunny day anthem, and Hell On Earth opens with acoustic guitar before punking out majorly then ending acoustically again.

But the biggest departure from the norm is a sizeable dub influence, which is evident to various degrees on tracks including the bass-heavy Snakebite, the title track (which also owes a debt to late 70s UK two-tone), the hypnotic Relocate The Beat, and the reverb-drenched seven-and-a-half minute album closer She Knows Her Way.

That said, more than half the album is energetic ska designed to get you skanking: the top-notch Souped-Up Vinyl bitches about a dead end job, Try Out Your Voice opens like the Bosstones and is just as catchy, the vibrant Raw Revolution tells a potted history of the band, and Fly Away is a happy sugar-high blast that clocks in under two minutes.

A couple of tracks ā€“ Try Out Your Voice and Hell On Earth ā€“ address political topics, but although their heartā€™s in the right place, the lyrics are actually a bit inconclusive. I much prefer the slice of life stories singer Dave McWane offers that appear to be about real people, such as Breaking The Bottle, a supportive account of a friendā€™s battle with alcoholism.

While the album is at its catchiest when sticking to the expected ska-punk formula, itā€™s the diversions that make it truly memorable. Strictly great.

Owen Heitmann