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Identification E.P.
John Player Specials
(Do The Dog, 2008)
John Player Specials are another band bustling out of the ska hub that is the North West of England. The Identification E.P. proves to be a genteel dose of third-wave skacore with a twist. It forgoes the usual hectic and haphazard style and places special emphasis on tunes that bobble along content in their traditional reggae-ska influences.
Opening pair, ‘Knocking On Wood’ and ‘Future of Tomorrow’, ease you into the record. The former has a touch of The Slackers about it, whilst the latter is a little more forceful (although, only a little) with the trombone more prevalent. ‘Bad Town’ is a bit more of an up tempo number with more of a dance feel to it. The bass on the title track is more predominant than before, but despite the heavier sound there’s still very much a relaxed feel about the song.
Closer, ‘Written in Stone’, has a different sound (and not just because it was recorded away from the Identification sessions); it’s a little more ethereal, hinting at the likes of Workin’ Lunch and bringing Random Hand’s ‘The Tenant Of Rotherwood Hall’ to mind. The percussion that sneaks its way in is also reminiscent of The King Blues’ ‘The Streets Are Ours’. For a song that may well be ‘tacked on’, it’s possibly the strongest, or at least the most interesting, on the record.
As it stands, the Identification E.P. isn’t all that immediate. Its slow-burner nature means it doesn’t quite assert itself on the listener until a fair few listens in. Similarly, the vocals take some getting used to (although when you are used to them they fit the band’s sound comfortably). However, you get out of the record what you put in and a little patience will lead to a lot of appreciation.
The band hasn’t quite nailed that rocksteady, chilled ska vibe bang on the head, but without a doubt there’s a potential here to do so. Don’t expect to be blown out of your boots; expect more of a sauntering bob.
SkaMutiny Rating: 3/5
Al