One More Bullet

Ska revivals come and go, but the Toasters just keep doing what they do -- which is play third-wave ska that draws on the sounds of late-'70s 2 Tone bands like Madness and the Specials as well as horn-heavy American R&B. The only original member remaining is guitarist and lead singer Rob "Bucket" Hingley, but he's really all it takes to make a band the Toasters: his everyman vocals and karate-chop guitar pretty much define the band's sound, along with the tight horn arrangements and modest hooks. The current incarnation also benefits from the presence of bassist Jason Nwagbaraocha, who also contributes harmony vocals and some incisive toasting on "Where's the Freedom?" and "Life in a Bubble." When they try to settle into a reggae groove on "Run Rudy Run Redux" the results are a bit clumsy, but when they appropriate material by the Dave Clark Five ("Bits and Pieces") and the Everly Brothers ("When Will I Be Loved") the results are lots of good, skanking fun. And by the way, if you download a pirated version of this album, Hingley intends to find you and beat you up. Fair warning. ~ Rick Anderson|