ANR from Berlin is a label that now covers the entire spectrum between German-speaking hardcore punk, hardcore from Russia, and exhilarating ska punk from Germany, France, or Russia. Now, a new country is joining the mix. Belgium!
Belgium? Isn't that the country that people know little about, where the highways are completely illuminated, where child molesters come from, and where delicious chocolate is made? Yes, exactly!
SKARBONE 14 also hail from this country. “Satellites“ is their fourth album by now. The band has been around since 2001 and has made the stages of Europe unsafe with a 10-member lineup over the last nine years. The band has already played over 350 concerts and shows no signs of slowing down in 2010.
The present album offers a wide musical spectrum. Ska is mixed with many styles, such as salsa, merengue, reggae, dub, rock, and even punk. This gives the 14 songs a unique lightness and brings a touch of the Caribbean into the living room. The songs get into your legs and are all undeniably danceable.
However, SKARBONE 14 are not just musically good. The lyrics, which are entirely in French, are also worth listening to. The band walks through the world with open eyes and ears, drawing inspiration for their lyrics from their experiences as well as from current world events.
Also worth mentioning is the lovingly designed digipack in a whimsical comic style.
Personally, I find SKARBONE 14 a bit too slow, but that is just my personal opinion and should not be taken as a general judgment. Anyone who enjoys exotic sounds and loves to dance should definitely give the band a try.
