The Bottom Line
The urge to dust off your Zoot Suit and checkered shoes is a side-affect of the forthcoming American debut album of Osaka, Japan's Oreskaband. Yes, you read it correctly, the words ska band are in their name―not surprising that the album is full of catchy horn lines reminiscent of Reel Big Fish and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. This band's early start landed them a record deal with Sony upon entering high school--way back in 2006. Back when I was in High School...ska was already over.
- Short, sweet, happy songs without a hint of self-indulgence.
- In the Japanese language, making the probably typical boy meets girl, skank 'till I die-lyrics...
- ...blissfully lost in translation.
- 6 cute Japanese girls, no smelly boys.
- If you didn't like Ska the third time around, well...
- ...how to say it without offending: they are a Ska band.
- Nothing new here, 13 heard-this-horn-line-before deja vu experiences...
- ...(ironically one called "GOOD BYE Deja Vu").
- One listen may cause a dangerous urge to reconnect with the Ska-riddled past you'd rather forget.
Description
- The production quality is high yet never over-produced. Major-label through and through.
- Originally released as an EP and an LP separately in Japan, the combined retail price was a whopping $39.96!
- To be sure, the American combined release should prove cheaper.
- The infectious fun of these 13 up-tempo tunes will help you overcome the fear of losing scene-points...
- ...should you be caught listening to Ska this late in the game.
Guide Review - Oreksaband's U.S. Debut--Album Review
It seems that only the cutting edge and the throwback make its way across the Pacific these days--Oreskaband is of course, a member of the latter. I was instantly drawn in by the wide horn sound on the introductory track and was pleasantly surprised by the amount of variety they managed to pack into such a limited genre. But the novelty fades fast as you realize that this is Ska without the luxury of the Irony that permeated songs such as "Sell Out" by the Reel Big Fish. Check out their single Pinocchio on iTunes and you'll know right away if their solid musicianship and cuteness can outweigh their ska-ness. All in all, Oreskaband may not be a first-rate third-wave ska band, but they make up for it with earnest enthusiasm sure to get your toes a-tapping.