Big D are not a band satisfied with resting on their laurels releasing similar sounding albums. They can release dub records, ska records and everything in between. Their last album was a lot more ‘ska’ and aggressive than other records, so I guess it was inevitable this album would be different again. And it is. ‘Fluent In Stroll’ is a great summer record, meant for lazy days in the garden with a beer in hand. It’s not as instant as some of their back catalogue and it’s not as obvious either. But scratch away at the likes of ‘Chin Up, Boy!’ and ‘Describing The Sky’ and you’ve got a record that’s pretty good.
As you’d expect David McWane’s vocals take centre stage and his delivery fits the music perfectly. But he’s not the only one to sing as the backing vocals on the opening track ‘Doped Up Dollies…’ get things off to an interesting, if a little different, start. And that’s the way this album continues as the band keep going with strong brass parts and laid back guitar riffs. There’s little aggression and little pace and while I’m no expert on the genre and not a huge fan of the band as a whole, this is an enjoyable record. Thumbs up for being different.