PLASTIC BOMB (GERMANY)
You like punk, dub, reggae and ska? Then, this split-CD with a very groovy, relaxing tracks is ideal for you. HARIJAN have good brass. JPS, however, are somewhat more conventional. But a good CD, no question.
FEAR AND LOATHING FANZINE
Two bands from the NW punk and ska scene. harijan veer more towards reggae, whilst JPS include hints of indie pop to their mix to create some fine tunage.
SOUTH LONDON MESS FANZINE
This was a pleasant surprise on my CD player. I hadn’t heard of either of these bands before but I really like both of them now.
Harijan are a dub-ska-rock band with quite a powerful, kind of aggressive vocalist. They’ve got some quite headbanging, heavy bits dotted about. John Player Specials are a more reggae/trad-ska outfit, much more melodic than Harijan so it’s a nice contrast. Also having just 3 tracks from each band is a good call. It does the job of a split EP very well; ie introducing people to these bands quickly with no bullshit.
The artwork is really cool, with some weird detailed paintings of old people’s faces. Not sure what that’s for but it looks good.
My favourite track I think is Renegade by The John Player Specials. Its very melodic and has nice rhymes in it that stick in your mind well.
Get hold of this if you can.
RIOT ON YOUR OWN ZINE (BELFAST)
Harijan give you 3 tracks of heavy ska with coarse vocals. All decent enough tunes wuith Hallux Valgus being the best of them. JPS are a little more melodic and vocally softer. The first two tracks 'Weak in Your Eyes' and especially, 'When all is said and done' are both exceptional and have laid back infectious quality. the other track is OK too. Smashin' little release from TNSrecords
7.5/10
PUNK ROCK DEMONSTRATION
This cd has a killer mix of ska, reggae, punk, and metal. It starts off strong with Harijan's Portland Street and ends with a catchy tune by The John Player Special's Renegade. It's very rare that I come across songs that span multiple genres of music that actually sound decent and all the songs on this cd rock. My favorites from each artist on this cd are the first and last tracks. The first one is great because it starts off with a hardcore punkish/metalish like intro with harsh vocals and then blasts off into some exotic mix of reggae, ska, and punk. The end result is a special blend which is soothing and relaxing to the ears. The last track, Renegade, by the John Player Specials leaves you feeling good with it's catchy melody and fun vocals. Definately have to check out this cd if you need some excitement in your life!
MILD PERIL FANZINE
A great 6 track split EP here from to North-Western bands, Harijan from Manchester (?) and John Special Players from Wigan, 3 tracks from each. First up Harijan, and I had heard these before on a TNS compilation (also reviewed below) and loved their track Curriculum Vitae, so it was great to be able to get to hear 3 new songs from them.
A great mixture of ska and reggae, with punk leanings, these dudes play this stuff so well, I love the guys’ vocal parts as well, and the brass just finishes it off really nicely. Some slow chilled out parts, some faster stuff, but very distinctive, it’s great to hear some new innovative ska bands from the UK just when you thought the scene was dying a death. 3 tracks here called Portland Street, Hallux Valgus and The Bees N E’s, excellent stuff. And things carry on in a positive way from the next band.
Again John Player Specials play their own brand of distinctive ska and reggae, a bit more chilled out than Harijan, they reminded me in places of The King Blues, there’s even a Ukulele on the first track Weak In Your Eyes. The next 2 tracks, When All Is Said And Done and Renegade (probably my favourite of the 6 tracks) carry on in the same vein as the first track, really good stuff and both bands complement each other really well. In summary, an excellent split which you can pick up from TNS Records or either of the bands for only £4. Well worth it.
Pete