Captain Black No Stars / Rasta4eyes - Boss Sounds of the Boom and Bust

Boss Sounds of the Boom and Bust
Captain Black No Stars + Rasta4eyes
Do The Dog Records, 2009

Boss Sounds of the Boom and Bust, the title of this 8 track split ep, is enough to give me reservations about it's musical content. You see, i'm middle class. Very middle class. So i'm at an immediate disadvantage having never once signed on (the middle class equivalent being 'Applying For University'.) So whilst some of the lyrical themes presented within this dual reggae/punk attack may pass me by, i'd like to think i know how to appreciate a good tune.

The first half of the split is occupied by the strangely titled Captain Black No Stars, who play a sort of laid back reggae, layered with sparkling keyboards and topped off with slightly strange half spoken/half sang vocals. These 4 songs give me the impression of a young band trying to find their feet, it's all a bit slack and the vocals really lack any sort of passion or immediacy. The tunes themselves are fairly repetitive and personally, it really doesn't do a lot for me. There's good vibes within and a real sense that the band are having fun doing with what they're doing, but nothing really that would hook you in for repeat listens. The dub outro track is a nice touch with a lovely bit of trombone, but it's certainly nothing you haven't heard before.

This takes us to the second half, in which Rasta4eyes have set up shop. And by set up shop, i mean they've squatted here, with acoustic guitars, a bag of weed and a few bottles of buckfast. They sing songs about not having money and about weed (maybe there's a correlation to be drawn there, guys) and it's really rather good. The melodies are brilliant, the brass complimentary without being intrusive, and the energy manages to keep up throughout the 4 tunes with enough in the way of hooks and interesting ideas to persuade you to give it multiple spins. The songs are concisely written, with big choruses (The Herb being a definite highlight) and whilst it's still early days for them, this 4 song taster is a promising sign of things to come.


Ska Mutiny Rating 3/5

Summers

Interesting. I preferred the Captain Black No Stars side of this split. Happily enjoyed both bands though.

My review lies here.

It just really didn't sit with me, really had trouble getting past the vocals. Really did enjoy the r4e tunes though!

I still need this CD!

Thanks for the review Summers, much appreciated!

The Boss Sounds Of The Boom & Bust Cd was DTD's first attempt at a split release & it is interesting to see how people react to it. I've had quite a few reviews in now, some have favoured CBNS & some have favoured R4E, while others have liked both. So far no-one has dislked both bands!

I suppose it just comes down to personal taste, whatever floats your ska boat so to speak.

There's another cool review of the CD here:

http://www.dancingmood.net/musicaloccupation/2009/07/review-boss-sounds-of-the-boom-bust-split-ep/

haha I wasn't excpecting to see saxboi then.

ive not heard either on cd but we palyed with r4e in bolton n they were really good musicians and good people, perhaps a little static on stage but it wasn exactly the most accomodating stage ever tbh n they played well.

Got to say that while I enjoyed both bands on this release, they were a long way from being in my DJ box, and are staying out of it. Pleasant reggae with something to say, R4E perhaps being lyrically better, but not dancefloor material to me.

3/5 with potential on both sides.