Photo by Gabriel King Radley
Ska music can be a hard genre to develop in but, while Liam and the Ladies might not be the most popular ska band in town, they are certainly one hell of a hard-working act that are making a name for themselves. Their latest album released last summer, Tour EP, while still clinging to the group’s 2-Tone ska/new wave roots, has expanded through broader territories into some heavy doses of pop, garage rock and even reggae.
The first half of the record really centers around ska, especially on opening track “Vengeance”, while blending pop and/or reggae into the other three songs. The bass, sax and organ really deliver on “Vengeance”, although Alex, on bass, rides a delightful melody. Their saxophonist Aaron really shows his skill level throughout the entire album with the occasional solo. Latest addition Claire, on drums, stands out well on “Never Get Along”, along with the guitar. If you like sing-alongs, “Better” steps it up and leaves you shaking it between the bass and organ. After all that, the sax on “Tonight” serenades you in a smoother, mellower rhythm.
The second half picks you right back up with another sing-along: “Get to Your Head”. The bass and guitar offer a fantastic pick-me-up. If you didn’t get enough of a break from their more energetic tunes, “Sights Too High” soothes the soul between the drums and sax. “End of Wave” brings the energy up slightly through the organ and sax with its garage pop melody and a slight reggae feel. The album is closed out with sing-along “Working Week”, which will leave you wanting to tear it up on the nearest dancefloor between the organ and bass. In all, this EP is a fantastic addition to Liam and the Ladies’ catalog.
Liam and the Ladies are hosting a killer evening of ska, blues, and Americana at The Wilshire Marsh located at 2139 W. Wilshire Dr. in Phoenix on June 30th at 8 PM. They will be hosting Jersey blues act Sammy Kay, Americana noir from Blood Feud Family Singers, Americana blues folk from The Prison Ships and a special acoustic performance from none other than Liam and the Ladies. They’re asking for a $5 donation for the touring act.
~ Garyn Klasek
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