The Slackers – 'Peculiar' (Epitaph) Released 20/02/06

With temperatures failing to exceed the fucking freezing mark, summer seems miles away. But with their new album ‘Peculiar’, The Slackers have brought a little early sunshine to a dreary English winter.The Slackers’ influences are clear – with roots reggae beats, and upbeat ska guitars, much of the album is similar to Sublime or a chilled out Manu Chao. Deep overdubbed backing vocals, and a strong horn section provide a great reggae backbone to instrumental tracks such as ‘Capo’, and ‘Sauron’. David Hillyard and Glen Pine share trombone and saxophone solos that in places sound improvised in their effortless fluidity.

Elsewhere, the band combine this rocksteady/ska inspiration with the swinging 12 bar feel of 50/60s doo-wop and soul, like a reggae Rocket From The Crypt. ‘Set The Girl Free’, for example, combines rock ‘n’ roll guitars/drums, and Vic Ruggiero’s Americana vocals and lyrics with an Upsetters style echoy organ, and again, a ska styled brass section.

However, very often Ruggiero’s lyrics detract from the feel good sentiment of many of the songs. Presumably a critique of society’s misuse of political spin and promotion, ‘Propaganda’ fails to incite much of a reaction. Despite sharing the same musical roots as ska punk legends such as The Clash, Ruggiero’s less than insightful lyrics ("If someone wants to make a confrontation, they don’t get no play on your radio station"  … ahem) lack the intelligence and depth of Marley or Strummer, for example. ‘Crazy’ sees Ruggiero attempt to rhyme as long a string of words as possible (solution, pollution, retribution etc. etc.) in what becomes a childish nursery rhyme rather than a harsh social commentary. And it’s hard to tell whether or not the lead singer is joking when he strains to find a rhyme in the line, "On international war criminals, information is minimal".

This said, when Ruggiero puts the political crusade on hold, his voice gives tracks such as the 2Tone inspired ‘Rider’ a bluesy quality in this ‘Yardbirds meets The Specials’ highlight. In the most part, ‘Peculiar’ is upbeat and laidback - a great way to beat the winter blues.