Next up we had ‘Tokyo’, enter rude, with the attitude of Blink 182, sunshine soaked carefree skater style. They even blend in a line from an old song ‘right about now, the funk’s so rubber’ or brother, whatever the lyrics are, one thing they definitely are, is catchy! And all the way through, the reggae beat keeps a consistent and calm urgency.
Live, these boys are a treat! High energy emulating into an instrumental frenzy of trumpets, guitars and sax! Lead singer Nic Gaud has a bold voice over this ska fruit salad of sound and some fabulous guitar solos reminiscent of old skool rock bring in an eyebrow stretch of surprise. I also like that the boys are not afraid to take on Annie Lennox’s ‘Sweet Dreams’, adding a darker dash of vocals and their ska drums, resulting in an upbeat but edgier version.
Just when you start to think that all the songs are gonna be go go go, a ska ballad kicks in. ‘Take a walk’ is a wonderful song with a life message staking its spot amidst the album, perfect for a sunny, outdoor afternoon gig or great for a road trip!
Ontology, the name of their second full-length album released in June 2009 is also an intriguing one. Google throws up all manner of meanings, so it’s worth gaining your own preferred interpretation of what they are doing within this rude, rock, reggae genre under the banner of an album alluding to ‘the nature of being’.
7th Son will be touring Germany in March 2010.
