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A haunting choir followed by a snippet of social commentary kick off this debut mini-album release from Kickback UK, another inspired British ska-punk act hailing from Manchester. Put simply, it’s a winner from the start. “We Are Never Going Back To Montrose” gives us a fast-paced dose of trumpet fuelled aggression to whet our ears’ appetite with, followed by a similarly aggressive start to “All The Wrong Reasons” with just as raw and powerful a sound. The chorus, short and simple though it is, is definitely one that sticks in your head, as it did for me for most of the day the first day I heard it (thanks boys...).
The album, long delayed and shunted to the side by the bands previous other commitments and line-up changes, represents a fresh beginning for Kickback UK (formerly known simply as Kickback, until they realised some damn continentals had the name first) – while the band members are not all solely involved in this band, it has moved from being a side-project for all to having a new lease of life. In addition, with the use of studio facilities for free and a music tech background for several of the band, they were really able to take their time over the CD and get it to sound just how they wanted.
There’s clearly a wide range of influences at work on the band as you can hear from the variety of sounds they have assembled for our enjoyment. This must be due in part to all the other bands that the members have been involved in - Chief, Catch-it Kebabs, The Fractions and Stand-Out Riot to name a few. “Breaking and Entering” is definitely one to get your toes moving to at first, although being the considerate band they are it does slow down a bit later on to let you catch your breath. It is also one of the many tracks on this release with a sample quote dropped in from the world of television, in this case everyone’s favourite member of the A-team who needs no introduction. “Reality Check” flicks between a fast-paced ska chorus and a more serious punk verse, while “Foundations” seems to put the ska on the back burner for more of the track than the others – although it’s still very danceable! “Risk It For A Biscuit” closes the mini-album off with a song title that ever since hearing I’ve ended up dropping into conversation a lot more than is probably good for me, whilst the track itself appears to be an effort to show the listener just how much more the band can do with their instruments over and above that which an ordinary run-of-the-mill ska band could achieve.
Kickback UK are clearly ready to become members of that elite club of bands you always look out for on tour. Although it’s only a half hour in length, this album WILL brighten up your day. Consider it heartily recommended.
SkaMutiny Rating: 4/5
Andy
Tour was all kinds of mint, and hopefully we can get around the country a bit more so you peeps can check us out in the fleshy flesh.
