This Is

Gut

Das Debut Album von Schwedens bekanntester Ska Band!

On their EP Freedom Fighters, Liberator poised themselves between Two Tone and punky reggae, now, with their first full length, the group have definitively thrown in with the former styling. Even so, the band have loosened the chains that formerly bound them to the Specials and Madness, breaking free to create a more distinctive sound of their own. Having two horn players is a boon in this regard, as the brass horns create a much more Jamaican feel than their British predecessors ever attained, an atmosphere enhanced by organist Eric Wesser, who while certainly no Jackie Mittoo, does conjure up '60s atmospheres with panache, and on songs like "Tell Me Tell Me," an almost Caribbean flair. Saxophonist Andreas Sjorgren and trombonist Peter Andersson, in contrast, add a distinctive jazzy flavor to the proceedings, with "Kingston Town" and "Lazy Bones" particular showcases for the pair's skills. Guitarist Per Hedberg also does his bit to mix up the sound, tossing unexpected surfy leads into the skanking "Almost a Man" and an emotive R&B intro into the equally ska-fired "Rooster." So, This Is... Liberator quickly evolving into a truly unique group, whose infectious, melody laced, high energy songs have all the kick of Two Tone, and so much more.

k.A.