Going Out Dancing,
Honeyshop ScreamersThe Honeyshop Screamers existed between 1998 and 2001 and ‘Going Out Dancing’ collects together the bands studio recordings in one compact package (or should that be disc…). The band initially formed as a three piece in 98 before adding brass and keys to the overall sound. The Honeyshop Screamers played infectious 2 tone ska/pop songs, and during their time as a group that sound earned them a decent following in the North West of England. In fact if you frequented the Ritz in Manchester (as a number of punktastic staff used to) then you may have heard their song ‘English Motorways’.
The upbeat sound of the band is seen clearly from the first track on the mini-album, ‘Pencil’: a well-paced and immensely catchy slice of ska. It also showcases the lyrical style of the Honeyshop Screamers, with memorable lines such as “I draw halos on photos of people who were angels, and anchors on baby biceps that still crush us all the same”. The aforementioned ‘English Motorways’ follows with the same infectious beats, before ‘Home of the Love Story’ slows things down a little.
‘Fast Car #2’ is one of the standout tracks on the release. It is fast paced, with some great brass riffs and a chorus that will have you leaping about in no time. ‘1/2 eaten throne of sabotage’ lessens the pace again, with brooding brass lines that give the song a unique feel. The best, as is usually the case, is left for last. ‘Songs for David’ really is a great song, and is so much better than most of the ska doing the rounds these days. You will have the chorus of ‘I took a ride with some hooligans at night time, wrecked some places that I’ve always know’ in your head for days.
The Honeyshop screamers may be just a memory now, but they have left us with a release that is a fitting testament to their talents. The six songs on display are upbeat and catchy and just the tonic for a bleak British winter. ‘Going Out Dancing’ is a solid little mini album and is further proof that Do The Dog Music is becoming the label for UK ska.
Mark
