Bombskare have been residents of the Live music scene in Scotland for a number of years now, in fact you’d be hard pushed to have missed them if you frequent any of the few venues which host live music in the Capital. Partly because they play so often but also because there are ten of them and they make one hell of a noise.
Described by the Scotsman as “Scotland’s Top Ska Band”. Self-described as a “Edinburgh’s Original Ska Juggernaut”, if you put yourself in front of them, as I have done many times over the past decade – you are likely to be knocked down by their frenetic charm. I was lucky enough to attend the recent album launch for “A Fistful of Dynamite” the long awaited debut album from the boys. Nearly 600 people crammed into one floor of Calton Studios for this gig supported by the amazing Roots System, The Amphetameanies and Edinburghs other well known ska outfit Big Hand who were also on great form. Big Hands Phil Ramsey joined Bombskare on stage to complement the four-strong brass section which is one of the many things which they really owe their sound to. As if ten very sweaty men weren’t enough already! It was a well balanced set which showed off each song and each member very well and at over two hours was well worth braving the front of the stage to dance. When I inevitably had to head outside to cool down many disappointed folk were being turned away without tickets or a hope of anyone leaving. The lads, well I say lads – most of them are getting on a bit now, all write for the band and it’s testament to them that all the songs performed fit together so well for the album and indeed, for the nights gig. Nearly two years in the making and including many of the songs which have been well-honed during live gigs up and down the country over the last few years, the set was a decent mix of old favourites and the newer tracks from the album.
The album stays true to the live sound and is a strong calling card for the band who seem to be able to do no wrong as far as the fans here are concerned
The album has a generous fourteen tracks, stand outs include – The World Turned Upside Down, Crime of the Century and Force Ten from Navarone, though there’s not a duffer on the album to be fair. My personal favourite is Bondtrack and I think a strong contender for the next film soundtrack. The album stays true to the live sound and is a strong calling card for the band who seem to be able to do no wrong as far as the fans here are concerned, it will be interesting to see how the album does further afield. The boys seem to be as popular down south as in their home town of Edinburgh where the ska scene has a growing popularity so hopefully its only a matter of time before they are promoted properly across the country. Then maybe we wont have to wait another two years for the next album!
Bombskare will be playing the new (and old) material at a festival near you soon so book your tickets and look both ways. Oh and if you like reggae then see you at the Voodoo Rooms on Saturday 11th April 2009 for the legendary Horace Andy + Ashley Beedle.