Courtesy of The Slackers
Most lasting bands usually pick a formula and stick with it. While The Slackers are pretty well known for being synonymous with ska music, they are also known to incorporate many other genres in their music. Expect no different from the band’s latest studio endeavor, The Slackers. Some may be sticklers for strictly ska but that would be a mistake for these veterans of the style. And despite preferring to handle their own production, The Slackers have stepped outside the box on this one by seeking outside production, something they haven’t done since releasing Better Late Than Never twenty years back. It definitely shows and, along with their own creativity, easily makes for one of their best recordings in years if not ever.
The Slackers kick off their self-titled album with dub-spliced reggae track “The Boss.” This is one groovy tune led by the amazing bass playing of Marcus Geard as well as the incredible horns of saxophonist David Hillyard and trombonist Glen Pine. The band’s rock influenced ska appears by way of “By the Time I Get to Sleep.” Drummer Ara Babajian and organist/vocalist Vic Ruggiero shine through, driving the tune. “Go Go Go” moves into a more sixties soul styled ska direction. This song is lively and fun, throwing various percussion and organ tickling into the mix along with some sweet harmonies. Pine commands the mic on “Working Overtime,” a relaxed, dub-tinged reggae tune. Babajian and Geard really take the helm at this point with their drum and bass techniques, respectively. Stripped down reggae jam “Spin I’m In” may feel minimal but is quite catchy. Taking the lead masterfully on here are Babajian’s drumming and Ruggiero’s organ playing. “I Want to Be Your Girl” brings the sixties vibe back with it’s soul ska sound. Geard and Jay Nugent seep through on this track with their rockin’ bass and guitar methods.
The Slackers switch gears with soul poppin’ rhythm and blues track “Pockets of a Rich Man.” Powering through here are Geard and Ruggiero by way of bass and organ. Soul heavy reggae jam “Run Til We Can’t Outrun” follows, lead vocally by Pine. Hillyard and Pine bust out on horns along with some lovely guitar soloing by Nugent. The band slows things down, taking it nice and easy on acoustic and electric jazz and dub-grafted reggae tune “Things I Can’t Forget.” Babajian and Ruggiero beautifully carry the listener along with their drums and organ. Early rock-stained soul ska song “Truth Comes Knocking” picks it back up at this point. Ruggiero and Nugent work together on this one to drive it home between the organ and guitar with one sick organ solo. The Slackers mellows down for smooth reggae heavy jam “Chewing on a Face.” Standing out are Babajian on drums along with Hillyard and Pine on horns, as Pine blasts out one robust solo. Closing out the record is seventies rock-powered ballad “Spaceman 3104.” Nugent and Ruggiero capture the spirit of this track strikingly. This album is a marvelously grandiose venture that unfolds like a provocatively epic tale. It’s one helluva terrific way to anticipate The Slackers’ 25th Anniversary Tour.
The Slackers play Crescent Ballroom, located at 308 N. 2nd Ave. in Phoenix, on March 10th with Los Angeles ska band Viernes 13, local soul ska project Bowcat and Phoenix City DJs Beat Betty & Fullstop.
~ Garyn Klasek
