Skaville UK, Last Man Standing, The Ramblers.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2 3rd June 2006.

Tonight is Ska-time, courtesy of SKAVILLE UK, which is a working title for band formed in February this year. Comprising of four musicians who have in their career played with some of the legends of the Ska genre tonight they transport us back to that Skankin' Pork-Pie hatted era.
Opening with 'Sally Brown, a mutual rapport is instantly developed between audience and band, which on following track 'Night Doctor' is most definitely cemented. A 'Lee Scratch Perry' tunes which in it's day was defined as 'skinhead reggae', the band continue in this vein with 'Spirit of 69'. The explicit and provocative 'Rough Ride' is performed almost raunchily but order is restored with the marvellous 'Memory Train'. Prince Buster's 'Oh Carolina' is notable for it's deep gruff vocals. I was delighted to hear 'Elizabethan Reggay', an obscure and often forgotten tune that Boris Gardiner composed for a turkey of a film called 'Party-Party', The classic 'My Girl Lollipop is noisily received while their version of 'Suicide' is not a gloomy as the original b-side release. Bad Manner's seminal chart hit 'Can-Can' finishes the set and leaves punters young and old skankin' off into the night.

As a very late replacement for The Titan System (who unfortunately due to illness could not appear) Thursday's heroes THE RAMBLERS filled in with a ramshackle, raucous bunch of tunes that hit the mark most of the time. These self-confessed 'bunch of geezers' perform something that is virtually unique in our local music scene - folk punk.

Playing as main support tonight are 'LAST MAN STANDING' who, due to Fandi going back to Singapore to commence his two year National Service, are winding down operations as an active live band. 'Fandi's Hip-Hop' is a slight departure from the norm but the old cover favourites 'No Woman No Cry' and 'Stand by Me' are familiar fodder. The newer song 'How I came Apart' is a forerunner to a brand new CD the boys are hoping to release shortly. The set marks the end of an era for this popular young band - lets hope a new one begins shortly.

I must make mention of the youngsters who skanked relentlessly throughout Skaville UK's set - kids, you were great!