Word: hepcats
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...strong reggae-ska-calypso-swing beat. The Question, being their third record since 1990, exhibits a progression towards integrating new diverse sounds, influenced by jazz, mambo, R&B and soul, into their traditional style. If you are somewhat familiar with the ska scene, The Slackers would most closely resemble Hepcat, with a more slick/soulful feel. The Slackers are also noteworthy for their ability to give a sad sentimental song such as "Alone Again" an appropriate catchy peppy beat that you can't help dancing to. If you can think only of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and No Doubt when...
...HEPCAT Right on Time (Hellcat) This nine-member band, based in Los Angeles, plays old-school ska with sweet vocals and warm, gentle horns. The songs, many of them genial ballads and jazzy instrumentals, breeze by, carefree but never insubstantial. This is an album that makes you dream of the Caribbean, or of dancing under starlight, or perhaps both...
...prevalence of guests on the album can beoverwhelming at times. Add up Banton, TheSpecials, Dicky Barrett from the Mighty MightyBosstones, Hepcat and a few others, and you mustwonder whether Rancid has a lot of friends theywant to show off or if they needed a significantamount of help in making the reggae transitionappear more plausible. Only time will tell,especially whether the next album features more ofan individual reggae sound or a flat regurgitationof the authentic vibe...
...album's bouncy, high-stepping song I Can't Wait sets the tone. The horns have the bright feel of afternoon sunlight; the guitars and percussion are uncomplicated and snappy. Hepcat is a big ensemble--there are nine members--but the band's sound is light on its feet. Ballads such as Goodbye Street and Mama Used to Say breeze by, carefree and easy but never insubstantial. The band shows off its versatility in several jazzy instrumental numbers, including Pharoah's Dreams, a jaunty track adorned with a lovely, liquid trumpet solo...
Right on Time plays off nicely against Ska After Ska After Ska (Heartbeat), a new release compiling ska songs from the '60s by such pioneers as Justin Hinds, the Skatalites and others. Hepcat, which was formed in 1989, is a relative newcomer, but its album is proof that the music is still in good hands...