This is pretty good stuff – the UK ‘ska’ scene was really vibrant about 18 months ago but with bands splitting up or releasing albums that weren’t as well received as they should have been, things went a little stale. If Once Over have anything to do with it, that’s gonna change real soon. ‘In An Ideal World’ is like a rocket up the arse of all the bands out there who lack soul and passion. This is an 11-track album that’s energetic and upfront and, although lacking a subtlety at times, is exactly the kind of thing you need to freshen up your Sunday evening.
Tracks like ‘Fight Your Reality’ and ‘Just Following Orders’ are a little link NoComply if they were fronted a man, although without the metal edge. The drums that pummel ‘Fight Your Reality’ sound great and one of the things I really like about this band is that they don’t overdo the use of the horns – ‘Croydon Facelift’ in particular fuses ragga elements rather nicely with a horn line that complements the track really nicely. Once Over could quite easily step into the void created by some of the UK bands that have recently split, and this comes well recommended.
www.onceovermusic.co.uk
Killer Ska Records
paul