Schpleen are another band from my local area (the ‘Schpleen office’ appears to be located half a mile away from where I’m typing this review) but I don’t think I’ve seen them live and only heard of them through word of mouth. Now whilst I don’t go to as many shows as I used to this is mainly through the fault of the virtually non existent scene in the area ho hum.
The four piece skacore merchants have been knocking about for a year or so and this Premier Studios recorded E.P is essentially the fruit of their labour so far. As of late many UK bands seem to be weary of wearing their ska roots on their sleeves and try to indulge in other influences, most notably; metal, hip-hop, funk, jazz, pretentious art-core wank and generally ripping off whatever the RX BANDITS are doing; sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t, but whatever aliases these bands try and hide behind SCHPLEEN have kept it simple and straightforward and by heck it’s paid off.
Tracks flick between bass driven, up-stroked ska verses and furious double time skate punk choruses almost seamlessly with a few hardcore riffs thrown in to boot. It all adds up to a winning formula, especially as there’s no out of place brass section spoiling things. Indeed that is what SCHPLEEN have scored themselves here; a winning formula. ‘Save Me From Hate’ and ‘Time’s Runnin’ Out’ are the cream of the crop, although the clever bridge in ‘Enter the Black’ is worthy of a mention. However, I wouldn’t say there was a weak song on this 5-track release. Vocally I’m reminded of PENNYWISE of all bands, which is interesting to say the least especially when contrasted to the almost FARSE-esque verse on the even more interestingly titled; ‘Princess Paedo’.
SCHPLEEN are bound to win themselves more recognition with this release but just as importantly, new fans. By all means, it’s no perfect release and there’s room for improvement and maybe even a little progression. It is however a solid release; there’s no random inconsistencies or inventive experimentation gone wrong. If SCHPLEEN are serious about turning heads I’m sure, in time, they will; the potential and quality is most definitely here.
Mike
www.nototemrecords.com
www.schpleen.tk