Northern Gods by The Skapones
If you know The Skapones, then you’ll know that their music is politically charged. Inspired by their 2-Tone heroes, it’s no surprise that the band draw on past and current issues in politics & society. There latest full album release is no different and continues the theme set by the like of The Specials way back in 1979.
‘Northern Gods’ kicks off with ‘Don’t be Late’ – an (almost) instrumental track of pure danceable ska and a great way to kick off the album.
Next up is track ‘Real Gangster Time’, rather fitting kicking off with the voice of a real gangster ‘Al Capone’ talking about prohibition. It then goes on to tell the story of the 1929 Valentines Day Massacre with a beautifully droning ska beat to accompany it.
Things are then slowed-down somewhat with ‘You Can’t Let Go’, before being brought back up to speed with ‘Assassins Creed’, a cracking track which I’m sure will be a live favourite and ‘Caged’.
‘The Rother’ slows it down again to tell the story of the UK miners strike of 1984/5 and particularly the violent and brutal ‘Battle of Orgreave’ in Rotherham. It takes a well deserved swipe at the PM of the time Margaret Th**cher (sorry, foul language is one thing, but I won’t have that name in full on this site – we don’t forget us northerners!)
‘Actions Speak Louder Than Words’ is a great ska tune, with a clear two-tone-esque angry message:
“We call it Great Britain,
But where be the great?
When millions of our people
Are abandoned to their fate”
I can almost hear Terry Hall singing this one!
Oh, some cracking horns too! 🎺🎷
‘Northern Gods’ is up next, lamenting the deterioration (or rather, the destruction) of the traditional industries that made the north of England a real powerhouse of the UK, and the failure of government despite their catchy taglines and slogans.
‘Secret Conversations’ takes the form of the spoken word, set to a gentle ska rhythm with a deep bass line and striking keyboards and clearly targeted at someone somewhere! I’m sure they know who they are! 😄
The next three tracks ‘Coz She’s Privileged’ (upbeat ska at its best), ‘Puppet Master’ & ‘Before the War’ (a couple of chillout ska tunes – sit back, eyes closed, beer in hand, enjoy!) lead up nicely to the albums last track ‘Eyes of a Child’, which mixes the two beautifully – slow, fast, slow, fast. Paired with some flawless vocals from frontman Paul ‘Willo’ Williams, this track rounds the album beautifully, the perfect ending to what is a superb album.
Extra kudos note: It’s available on vinyl, double vinyl,…with a gatefold sleeve 😍
If you haven’t got your copy yet, get it bought, get it streamed, get it in your ears!
