Skank (noun): a rhythmic dance performed by swinging the arms while bending the knees, especially to reggae or ska – likely to occur when listening to The Skapones’ new album ‘Northern Gods’…but not as often as you might expect (although I don’t say the latter as a criticism).
Hailing from that hotbed of ska music (Darlington), The Skapones are not simply a 2-Tone ska tribute band – they’re an originals band that are incredibly talented. Their music clearly takes influences from the ska revival of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s; however, this album shows they have more to offer.
‘The Rother’ is an outstanding track that delves into the 1984 confrontation between pickets and officers of the South Yorkshire Police at Orgreave Coking Works. Starting with a poem spoken in the opening moments of the excellent documentary “The Battle of Orgreave”, the band begin to unpack the emotions of this period in working-class history. With more of a reggae tone, this track has a haunting feel which equals the dark memories and feelings still held by many.
Next in their sights is the hackneyed and insincere phrases thrown about by the political classes. ‘Northern Gods’ pokes at the idea of the so-called ‘Northern Powerhouse’. The North East has contributed so much to the industry and economy of the UK yet was allowed to fall into decline, particularly in the 1980s. This song acknowledges the monuments that still stand, echoes of the past (a powerhouse asset stripped), and a population sold down the river. This is a rallying call to fight back if ever there was one.
‘Cos’ She’s Privileged’ really threw me, with the Terry Hall-esque delivery from Paul Williams really taking me back. The song itself is a mix of ‘Hey, Little Rich Girl’ by The Specials and ‘Well, Fancy That!’ by Fun Boy Three, touching on child abuse and how it impacts your life and the notion that even money and an upper-class upbringing do not protect you from such things. The rasping trombone in the latter part of the song creates a harrowing, uncomfortable feel too.
A more skank-friendly song, ‘Real Gangster Time’, gives a nod back to the roots of ska. Prince Buster released ‘Al Capone’ in 1964 and it’s still a popular song today. It inspired ‘Gangsters’ by The Specials and has had a similar effect on The Skapones. Detailing the events of the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929, the song starts with Al Capone himself explaining his view on prohibition and his role in overcoming it.
There are a few other dancing tunes such as the album opener ‘Don’t Be Late’ (reminiscent of early Bad Manners), ‘Assassin’s Creed’ (with a Dead 60s vibe) and ‘Caged’ – so get those moves dusted down and let those limbs fly.
‘Northern Gods’ is the band’s second album – and it shows. The musical arrangements are strong and the songs are polished. However, it does feel as though there are a couple of tracks too many and it interrupts the flow at times.
Overall, it is great to see ska music is alive and well and living in the North East of England.
