A Review by Tom Remp
The Screw-Ups’ heated angst-ridden vocals are reminiscent of the Ramones, Sublime and perhaps an American-style Clash and are backed by throaty saxophone, fierce bass and lively drum beats. The five-man, Connecticut based band has been performing their mix of reggae and grimy ska in one guise or another for over half a decade. Drawing on influences as diverse as Rancid, The Slackers, Ray Charles, Toots and The Maytals, and sublime. Playing in venues diverse as coffee shops, village greens and even a vineyard, it is obvious from their music that they do not take themselves too seriously.
“Lie Awake” is a great start to the EP, definitely my favorite over all with its dirty ska, grizzly quick lyrics, nice baseline and nasty backing track. It’s a pumping and energetic yet strangely relaxed tune, the sort you’d put on your Ipod while driving through a ruined industrial park.
“Cuidado” was a bit of a let-down. It’s a nice transition piece but it’s solely instrumental and though it has the same grimy feel of “Lie Awake” mixed in some nice drum and sax moments, the previous track has rendered it slightly redundant.
“I don’t care much about Reggae (Reggae ain’t getting’ me laid)” will probably be most peoples favorite track. The chorus has hints of The Ramone’s and the lyrics are reminiscent and perhaps even a (very welcome) piss-take of Nickelback’s “Rockstar.” Overall it’s a fun tune to rock out to, and has some really decent saxophone throughout.
“54-46” gets off to a cracking start with a backing-track totally out of 70’s London. The following song is impassioned in almost every way, with really decent drums and clear, confident lyrics. It’s definitely a great ending to a very listenable CD that generates some cracking, original tunes with great power and feeling.
“Lie Awake” is a great start to the EP, definitely my favorite over all with its dirty ska, grizzly quick lyrics, nice baseline and nasty backing track. It’s a pumping and energetic yet strangely relaxed tune, the sort you’d put on your Ipod while driving through a ruined industrial park.
“Cuidado” was a bit of a let-down. It’s a nice transition piece but it’s solely instrumental and though it has the same grimy feel of “Lie Awake” mixed in some nice drum and sax moments, the previous track has rendered it slightly redundant.
“I don’t care much about Reggae (Reggae ain’t getting’ me laid)” will probably be most peoples favorite track. The chorus has hints of The Ramone’s and the lyrics are reminiscent and perhaps even a (very welcome) piss-take of Nickelback’s “Rockstar.” Overall it’s a fun tune to rock out to, and has some really decent saxophone throughout.
“54-46” gets off to a cracking start with a backing-track totally out of 70’s London. The following song is impassioned in almost every way, with really decent drums and clear, confident lyrics. It’s definitely a great ending to a very listenable CD that generates some cracking, original tunes with great power and feeling.
