The sound that more and more bands seem to be adopting of late is that catchy light hearted pop sound coupled with the dancing delight of ska overtones. Captain Everything manage it to perfection with a skate punk edge while Five Knuckle also blend the formula well with hardcore, Dumpster Pop however don’t really decide which direction they wish to take and it results in a rather disjointed fifteen tracks that doesn’t really deliver on any required levels.
That isn’t to say it is a complete disaster though. The songs from beginning to end have a certain charm and catchiness which will appeal, but there isn’t anything to keep you coming back for more. The sound of the band at times seems dated and has been produced by many more bands in the past to a higher level which is why they may struggle to leave a mark on anyone except easily led youngsters. However, a couple of tracks present do draw you in, with ‘Booh’ pulling all the right strings in opening the album up, and one of the real standout efforts in the form of the quirky ‘Its Your Fault if I die’. While tracks that genuinely want you begging for more are few and far between, the short and sweet ‘X-Mas Wish List’ manages it while the almost NOFX-esque ‘No More Silverbacks’ proves a saving grace in the second half.
The more disappointing efforts include the pointless cover of ‘Song 2′ which is frankly a waste of space. Damon Albarn and co did it more than well many moons ago, Dumpster Pop simply rehash virtually the same thing with no variation and it wouldn’t look out of place on a bunch of youngsters setlists as they ply their trade with Blink and Green Day covers. The lackluster efforts sadly are far too prominent though as they tend to flood the album, with the shite ‘Good time to Go’ and dull ‘Wasted’ standing out amongst the pack as being nothing more than filler.
Other various distractions include some very hit and mostly miss vocals and at a lengthy fifteen tracks and 44 minutes it is simply to long and maybe separating the wheat from the chaff is what is needed for the band to really go forward. Dumpster Pop are harmless enough and will undoubtedly pick up on a certain demographic of fans that they will undoubtedly appeal to, but for the more discerning punk rock fan, they may find it lacks a depth and certain substance which leaves a hollow album from a band that may not stick around in your memory for that long.
Jay
www.dumpsterpop.cjb.net
Moon Ska Europe