If Hitler is bad, and the Vandals are good then most modern day ska must be equivalent to Goebbels. Not that im saying all the Mustard Plug‘s and what have you’s are bordering on Nazi Propaganda, but you know, it was just some sort of extended punk metaphor. Get over it already.
Well anyway, the fact remains that Ska has become a tired, tired style and it takes a certain sparkle to stand out in what is still an overcrowded and constricting genre. Pama International, form that Jamaican suburb of Newbury, Berkshire (ha), have gone someway to distancing themselves from their bland peerage.
While I’m not a ska fan in any shape or form, if I am going to listen to it, I much prefer that it is at either end of the scale, ie. Skacore or chilled out, laid back reggae tinged. Pama International fall firmly into the latter and this small mercy I am thankful for. This is tuneful, summery, upbeat ska reminiscent of ‘the glory days’ of ska/reggae (and no kids, I don’t mean the mid 90’s skapunk explosion) and from start to finish, it’s of the highest quality. There are also distinct touches of soul in the mix.
The problem is, it just really isn’t my thing at all. I can listen to it, and I can enjoy it, but I wouldn’t choose to stick it on my stereo and I wouldn’t really go out of my way to see the band live. Nor could I really point out any highlights of the record, bar the excellent ‘Truly, Madly Deeply’, as the songs are all very similar in style, pace and structure, which isn’t a bad thing in this case, as it serves to create a delightfully chilled and relaxing atmosphere without feeling the need to break it up with a token fast song or whatever. At the end of the day, if you’re in the mood for chilled out reggae stuff, then there are few UK bands who can match Pama International. For me, however, I’m just happy to nod away to the beat and appreciate the quality without really committing myself as a fan of the band. If anything, my initial scepticism being proved partially wrong is more a sign of the quality of this record than a devout ska fan raving over it.
Ross