I'll be honest and readily admit that Capdown weren't my favourite band when we started PT back in 2001. No matter what gig I went to, they were seemingly everywhere. Fair play to their gruelling touring schedule at the time, but when it got to the stage they were the token UK supporting act, opening pretty much every single gig for any well-known US punk or ska act, their ska-core sound became slightly monotonous. I'll hold my hands up and say I made a few disparaging comments in those early days of PT - not because I didn't respect the band for what they did, but because I was simply fed up with seeing them. But times change and people grow up - I'd like to think both the band and myself have changed since 2001, although obviously in different ways. After two albums on Household Name the band left for pastures new and despite expectations of a major label deal, only a single and this live album have been released. the gruelling touring schedule of 2001 has been relaxed and the band haven't been overkilled - even though Mike Davies plays them every week on the Lock Up!
This record is released on Gravity DIP and, unsurprisingly, was recorded over two nights in Milton Keynes. It covers all the bands 'hits' and shows just how tight they are - tracks like 'Civil Disobedients' and 'Act Your Rage' are excellently executed, while 'Cousin Cleotis' proves the band are tighter than a gnat's arse. By the time you get round to 'Ska Wars', the inevitable set-closer, you're left with the feeling that, despite what I may have felt four years ago, Capdown are a very special band - almost a unique talent. Maybe because we're now spoon-fed so much crap music through the TV and radio I've learned to appreciate them a little more. Either way, this is both a fantastic starting point for those new to the band and unmissable for any fan wanting something new before the next album finally hits the shelves.
http://www.gravitydip.com/release.jsp?DIP016
Gravity DIP
Paul
