The Ska Flakes release debut album
Releasing an album after just after only two years together is quite some feat. To make it as high quality as ‘I do it Every Day’ from The Ska Flakes is something else!
Kicking off with ‘Oh Jamaica!’, a slower paced traditional ska tune that Button Down Radio called ‘Bad Manners-esque’ and when you hear it, you can certainly hear why. It’s an awesome start to the album.
‘Boots’ follows next and introduces us to a more dub reggae sounding style. I will admit, I’m not a huge dub fan, but the brass and bassline certainly lift it up.
‘Pick it up Stylee’ starts with a mish mash introduction set to elevator music, but it soon launches into an upbeat skanking classic. One of the best tracks on the album, and one you can certainly dance to.
Then you’re hit with ‘Skankin in LH’, an absolute cracking tune with some great keys and sax. Another danceable track – if you’re not dancing by now, there’s something wrong with you!
‘Bullshit’ launches into an introduction that expects me to hear Pauline Black utter those immortal words “This…is a government health warning – smoking can seriously damage your brain!”. And the similarity continues throughout the tune, and then throws in a bit of ‘Pass the Dutchie’ to create what is a mash up between the two tracks, set to the lyrics “Pass the Bullshit”. And it works!
‘Dusty Cowboy’ then delivers something a little bit different and it’s difficult to describe. Wild West vibes with a ska backbeat probably sums it up and guess what…it works too!
Then it’s back on your feet for the bands namesake track ‘The Ska Flakes’, a proper ska anthem that I’m pretty sure goes down a storm live. Bouncing rhythms and that heavy brass section, paired with some great keyboard make this the jewel in the crown of this album, absolutely brilliant!
Now, there aren’t many bands that would round off a Ska album with a cover of a Johnny Cash tune, but that’s exactly what The Ska Flakes have done on this eight track offering. ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ is given a ska makeover by the French 9-piece and not only does it work, it leaves me wanting to hear more ska-blues crossover! An awesome way to finish what is a top-notch album!
The Ska Flakes have well and truly put Le Havre on the ska world map! Available on all the usual streaming sites now!
