Beatdowns

Beatdowns (1999)

Scott Heisel

This might be the first time I've ever seen a self-released CD with a bar-code on the back. This leaves me baffled as I play the CD, which consists of 8 straight tracks of rock 'em, sock 'em, no holds barred ska. I would hate to see what would happen if these guys ever got Reel Big Fish into a dark alley. The opening track, "Two Souls," has an extremely catchy horn line that will stay in your head hours after hearing it, but the song drags on over 4 minutes, making you want to hit the "Next" button on your CD player. Fortunately, this is the only occurance on the CD that makes you cringe. Each song is massively underproduced, with way too much bass and drums, and not enough horns. This adds to the gritty, realistic sound the band possesses. Other standouts are the infectious "Devil's Ride" and the energetic closing song, "Ear to the Track." After seeing this band live, you walk away thinking to yourself "MAN, does that lead singer know how to sing," and, it's possible you may be thinking, "DAMN, those horn players know how to dance." Check it.
[taken from A different kind of greatness webzine]