If $up had hit the ground running about four years ago I'm sure we would have all sat up out of our punk rock armchairs and taken notice. This Peterborough sixsome have come out with a ska rocking sound that's reasonably refreshing, but unfortunately has already been specialised by the likes of CapDown. A case of getting in on the action a little too late...but 'Promo EP' is still a decent enough record that showcases the band's talents.
Ironically the band's first gig was supporting Capdown two years ago and there's more than an element of Jake and co in $up's sound. Throwing together ska, metal and hardcore into one big catchy melting pot, it's an ambitious mixture that at times works well but at others is just too damn diverse for it's own good. First track 'Critix' really sets the standard - and listening to this for the first time it really did make me take notice. Forceful drums and guitars intertwine with a cleverly used saxophone to create a really powerful sound. Shaun's vocals are energetic, going from the more melodic verses to a scream-filled breakdown which definitely shows their hardcore roots. Very good stuff to start off with but the rest of the EP struggles to match the same standard. 'Reprezent' to me comes across like early Capdown a little too much, but in a live setting it is sure to get the kids skanking at a dancehall near you. There's lots of "woahs" and the ska guitar riffs do sound a little like those that Farse are getting praise for. The drums are superb in the hardcore parts and there's certainly enough variety on offer to keep things interesting.
The badly named 'Grotbags' is for me the weakest track, a song which again seems to try and use too many styles rather than concentrating on one. The ska intro is sure to encourage people to get their groove on, but the Mad Caddies on crack pyschosis which follows is just a little too messy for me. It is catchy mind, so be prepared to be humming, tapping or even singing along for a little while afterwards. 'Dave' is more forceful, again the sax is well used and the screaming is well placed, but the switches between the melodic and the hardcore seem out of place and ill timed. And it's maybe a little short at excatly two minutes. 'Oi Jude' is even harder and faster, pushing Shaun's vocals to seemingly breaking point and the guitars and basslines are pedal-to-the-metal stuff, but at just one minute long it's way too short.
$up have a full length record on the way and it's sure to be worth a listen. There are some very good moments here indeed but as a whole it sounds a little messy. If these details are ironed out, $up have a unique enough sound to forge their own identity on the UK scene.
www.supsite.co.uk
Paul
