The Toasters are New York's original masters of
ska. For nearly 25 years the Toasters have taken on
all comers, gracing the stage some 4,000 times with
their catchy beats. The Toasters are what little ska
bands want to be when they grow up. Tight, infectious,
original and a perfect example of the best aspects
of the genre. Listening to bands like Mustard Plug
or Reel Big Fish it's easy to see the effect the Toasters
have had on ska.
"One More Bullet" is a melodic album that
quickly breaks down the listener's will to fight.
"What A Gwan" and "Night Train to Moscow"
mix riffs that are as infectious as the plague with
smooth vocals. "Life In a Bubble" is a more
laid back affair that I found myself humming along
to immediately. "Where's the Freedom?" has
a more traditional raggae sound. The Toasters prove
song after song that they are on the forefront of
ska, and have left most of the competition in their
wake.
I expected a lot from "One More Bullet",
but what I got was a surprise indeed. There are few
albums I can listen to from beginning to end without
skipping a track. "One More Bullet" has
joined this very short list of releases. The Toasters
put you into a groove from which it's hard to escape.
Each track stands out. When a band has been around
as long as the Toasters they have a nice following
built already, but "One More Bullet" should
bring new fans flocking to see the masters at work
live.
Key Tracks: "Life In A Bubble", "Run
Rudy Run Redux", "Night Train to Moscow"
Reviewed by: Jim McDonald
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