Oh la la, I thought to myself, as I held the record by THE ECCOS without reading the band info. The cover showed a person, tied to a chair, with a hood pulled deep over their face, all in black and white. It looks like Metal, Emocore, or Metal. None of that is true!
THE ECCOS from Austria play captivating ska-punk. “Know the Ropes“ is their first album, following a DIY-produced CD-EP released in 2005, and this record now comes with 13 songs. The wait was worth it. “Know the Ropes“ is also self-produced. You wouldn't think so while listening. The production has pressure and power, and the vocals are also great to understand. They really paid attention to everything here.
It’s just hard to understand why such a band hasn’t found a label yet.
THE ECCOS are just six people, of whom only two musicians work on the brass instruments. With Patricia and Chessy, the band has two very good trumpeters who are not held back by the fast tempo of the songs; on the contrary, they give the songs their own unique touch with their playing. They emphasize the sound and give it character. Singer Miguell, who has Mexican roots, gives his all at the microphone. He is a little vocal wonder, as his voice is always clear to hear despite the high tempo.
The band's lyrics tell of personal experiences as well as political and social conditions in which we live. Unlike many bands that roam this genre, the band has profound and intelligent lyrics that touch you.
THE ECCOS play fast ska-punk that sometimes reminds of 5BUGS from Berlin, if this band had a few brass players with them. It’s very melodic what the Austrians have captured on CD. With so much energy that the band has pressed onto the CD, I’m curious about how the combo is live. It must be an explosion of energy on stage.
