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An energetic exploration into ska, punk, hardcore and even reggae - ‘Wind-Up Toys’ is a triumphant return to form for Milton Keynes’ finest. Five long years have passed since Capdown’s previous release ‘Pound For Sound’ (2001) and during this period a maturity has been found in both lyrics and style. The Band’s views on politics and the current state of the music industry are as opinionated as ever with swipes at generic, stale bands on title track ‘Wind-Up Toys’ and ‘Community Service’ where lead-singer Jake Sims-Fielding laments “You say you’re punk but your music all sounds the same, be a part of some music that makes a difference”.
Underground favourites for nearly a decade, Capdown have religiously toured the U.K acquiring a loyal and obviously patient fan-base. The influence from support slots with Reel Big Fish, Bad Religion and Less Than Jake is evident on ‘Wind-up Toys’ with ‘Blood, Sweat and Fears’ having a Less Than Jake style hook while ‘Truly Dead’ has a Bad Religion vibe.
Produced by Hundred Reasons guitarist, Larry Hibbitt, ‘Wind-Up Toys’ certainly adopts a heavier and more guitar-led sound though the saxophone keeps the ska aspect alive. Dripping with drive and creativity ‘Keeping Up Appearances’ is the album highlight as an incessant riff is coated with sharp lyrics and will most properly become the band’s new anthem. ‘Thrash Thursday’ is two minutes of high-octane mayhem played at breakneck speed while ‘Surviving The Death Of A Genre’ has laid-back reggae verses that are cleverly contrasted with a pop-punk chorus.
Any fears Capdown harboured about being forgotten or pushed out of their scene, due to half a decade without an album release, were completely blown away in a packed Lock-up stage tent at Leeds/Reading festival last summer when they received a stunning reception - which is sure to be followed up on their upcoming UK tour thanks to the release of this accomplished multi-faceted LP. Not since Lucky Boys Confusion’s ‘Commitment’ album has a band managed to amalgamate ska and punk-rock so effortlessly. In ‘Wind-Up Toys’ Capdown have come storming back with views to spout and hips to shake.
