Not ones to disappoint our public, some of you requested we review ‘Boxing Clever’ – so here it is. Farse literally need no introduction; they are one of the leading lights in the UK scene right now, packing out halls and venues acros the country on their latest UK jaunt. This album, released on Moon Ska in 2002, is probably their best work to date, mixing up a whole range of genres and coming out with what can simply be called ‘Farse‘.
The fierce, yet catchy-as-fuck, guitar intro to ‘When The Laughter Stops’ really sets things off. Farse cannot really be tagged as ska, punk or whatever term is the in thing – they’re one of the new breed of bands that fuse styles into their own original mix. Like Capdown, NoComply and Sonic Boom Six are all doing their own thing, Farse are in that bracket too. They have their own style and sound, probably because they can switch from reggae to ska to a heavier sound in the blink of an eye. Oh, and vocalist Ollie just has one of those unique voices that whenever you hear it you instantly know it’s Farse. The strong tracks continue with ‘Hopskotch’ and ‘Broken Record’ showcasing the different styles that Farse excel in. The latter is more orthodox than the former, but still maintains a sense of originality which serves the band so well.
‘Wishful Thinking’ is a personal favourite, the breakdown where Ollie’s vocals shout and spit, combined with a powerful guitar riff, really emphaise all that is good about this Brum mob. They’re certainly not afraid to mix up their sounds and perhaps only the Mad Caddies dare to try match Farse‘s enthusiasm and energy, yet never lose any of that melodic edge. ‘Memories Of Now’ certainly sounds like the Caddies, without the brass obviously, with a strong guitar riff and crunchy melodies, while the delicious ‘Seconds Out‘ throws in ska riffs, reggae-tinged vocals and aggressive guitars that throw in some ‘-core’ elements. ‘Eggs Is Eggs’ is more ska-based, but then not content with having kids skank along, ‘Cigarette Through Polystyrene’ is a real driving anthem sure to get a pit spinning and dancing.
Farse are easily up there with the top bands in the country, both recorded and in the live department. ‘Boxing Clever’ is an adventurous album that will appeal to ska and punk fans alike. Covering a wide range of genres leaves them wide open to attack, but Farse are not a band who are jacks of all trades yet master none. Their influences may be wide, but these guys pack one hell of a punch.
www.farse.co.uk
Moon Ska Records
Paul