Sampled Ska Success: The Bakesys are back with a bang!

Decades into their journey (sorry guys!), The Bakesys remain a unique voice in the UK Ska landscape — and their latest album is proof that their spark hasn’t faded. From the first track to the last, this release is a celebration of their signature sound: crisp, basic ska rhythms and reggae grooves, all tied together with deadpan vocals and well-placed spoken-word samples. The album feels both like a nod to the past and a confident step forward — rooted in the UK ska revival of the 90s, but not stuck there!

It all kicks off with title track ‘If at First You Don’t Succeed’, a punchy and determined opener that wastes no time in establishing the band’s simple, effective approach. Built on solid ska rhythms with subtle electronic flourishes, it urges listeners to keep going, to persist — whether that’s an aim, ambition, or life itself.

From there, the album dives into ‘Dead Before You Move’, a track that embraces an early Jamaican sounds with strong keyboard melodies and the band’s trademark vocal delivery. It’s also the first time we hear one of the many vintage spoken-word samples, straight out of 1950’s documentaries that appear throughout the record, lending the whole thing an almost vintage cinematic quality.

The pace slows slightly with ‘None of Your Business’ which ventures into a reggae groove. Spoken-word overlays return here too, adding texture and a slightly introspective edge that contrasts nicely with the album’s more upbeat moments.

Then back with bang is ‘Born to Be a Rude Boy’ bringing things back to full speed. A bouncing tale of youthful rebellion driven by rhythmic keyboards and horn accents that highlights our collective mis-spent youth of mischief and music.

The vibe cools again with ‘Not a Scooby Doo’, a chilled reggae-inspired number featuring some heavy brass that encourages you to sit back and soak in the sound. It’s a perfect counterpoint to what comes next ‘Can’t Stop Won’t Stop’, a track that bursts in with brass and a bouncing ska rhythm that could’ve been lifted straight from the UK 90s Ska revival era. It’s pure Bakesys energy — bright, bold, and brilliantly nostalgic.

‘Troublesome by Nature’ follows, keeping the brass-heavy energy going while largely eschewing vocals in favour of sampled speech and instrumental swagger. It’s a reminder that The Bakesys can tell a story without needing to spell it out. That leads perfectly into ‘Scooby Dooby Dub’, a dubbed-out reworking of ‘Not a Scooby Doo’ that strips the track down and shows off the band’s dub credentials — a teaser for the full dub version of this album that I’m reliably informed is on it’s way!

One of the album’s real highlights comes in the form of ‘What Ya Gonna Do?’ — a track that stands out with its bold brass section, catchy rhythm, and infectious energy.

‘Like a Lead Balloon’ adds another layer of nostalgia. With more spoken-word samples, background smooth ska rhythms and mellow keys, it’ll chill you to the core.

Then we come to the album’s crowning moment (in my humble opinion). ‘Clutching at Straws Since 1984’: More than just a great tune, it’s a song that will strike a chord with anyone of a “certain age” — or more accurately, those of us who are “certainly ageing.” Witty, reflective, and effortlessly catchy, it’s the kind of track that finds its way into your playlist and stays there. It’s the standout track for me and another Bakesys tune that I’ll listen to over and over again.

The album finishes with ‘Dubbing with the Yobs’, a relaxed dub track that reprises the line “Born to Be a Rude Boy”, neatly tying the album together. It’s a cool, calm ending to a record that’s been full of life and skanking grooves.

Ultimately, what makes this album so satisfying is how unmistakably ‘Bakesys’ it is. From start to finish, you know exactly who you’re listening to and that’s no small achievement. Ska may have evolved, but The Bakesys have held onto their identity while continuing to grow, and this album is a testament to that balance. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer listening for the first time, there’s a lot here to enjoy.

Go and have a listen, its available on all you favourite streaming services right now!