The Beatdown – Selt-titled (Stomp)
The Beatdown’s self-titled album starts with the refrain Bob Marley taught us: “It’s Alright.” It’s evident from this album that these boys from Montreal know their history and they spend the whole album showing that they’ve studied up.
As I’ve pointed out in my review of their EP, it’s clear that they’re comfortable (and enjoyable) when working in the “dirty reggae” style or in a mid-tempo dance ska beat. No song on this album could make that clearer than the third track, “Hooligans,” where the lightly-overdriven guitars and organ dominate.
The songs with a slower, more dub-influenced style take some getting used to. “Let Me Take You Out” is an echo-tinged relaxed reggae style tune, and “Mad Dog” plays with a kind of spooky ska-reggae vibe. Both are fun songs, but they’re not danceable tracks like most of the album. Still, “Mad Dog” demonstrates a clear awareness of King Django-style dub (think “Thirsty” off of the album “A Single Thread,” probably my favorite example of this particular kind of 3rd wave ska).
From “I Want Justice” on to the last track, The Beatdown gets back to the groove with a hopping rhythm and backing vocals that make The Beatdown their most fun. I’ll admit I’m a sucker for ska harmonica, and The Beatdown do it well. There’s a soul/ska treat for Pietasters fans at the end of the album with the last track, “Beatdown,” a song where the new attitude of ruff & tuff ska is absolutely clear.
