From time to time on punktastic a band come from nowhere and leave a big impression on us. 3dBs were one such band. Their debut album was well received and the band went on to appear on our first compilation. Having recently signed to On the Road records 3dBs Down are ready to unleash their second album, ‘Can of Worms’.
‘Salvo’ opens the album in storming fashion with a huge slab of infectious punk rock. The vocal interplay that has always allowed this band to shine is on even better form than ever and the whole package is wrapped up with some killer guitar riffs. ‘Kidnap & Ransom’ brings in the familiar ska elements that have always underpinned much of what 3dBs Down have done in the past. It’s another fast-paced and supremely catchy track that stops for breath at well-placed interludes. To be honest, the standard of song writing is consistently high throughout the album. The likes of ‘Friendly Fire’ and ‘Short Circuit’ showcase everything you have come to love about these guys.
However, ‘Can of Worms’ is no mere retread of the band’s debut ‘Bottom of the Learning Curve’. There is real progression here and hints that the band really can go on to another level. ‘Say So’ manages to combine the bands rock heart with a subtler, more reflective mood. This reflective mood is carried through to the very downbeat ‘One More Day’, a song that pushes the stronger lyrics of this album to the forefront. Recent single ‘The Quick Fix’ is a full on rock number and stripping the bands sound down is a big success. For all the developments though, it is still the joy of hearing the band in familiar territory that brings the biggest smile over the course of this upbeat album. I dare you to listen to album standout ‘Sadako’ without a huge grin on your face.
‘Can of Worms’ proves to be a great second album from a band that are one of the best in the UK right now. Their blend of punk, rock and ska continues to impress and the superb three-way vocals are still the icing on the cake. 3dBs Down demand and deserve your attention. The instruction on the back of this album reads “empty contents into stereo and crank up the volume” – I couldn’t agree more!
www.3dbsdown.com
www.ontheroadrecords.com
Mark
