A new record from SKAFIELD. It has been four years since the band's last output made its way into the public eye. The still-great work "Smiling at the tragedy" from 2003 is something I remember well, and I would still count it among the band's best records.
Now, however, "MEMORIES IN MELODIES" is out. The promo sheet boldly praises the pressure, the melodies, and the anger that the band possesses. However, caution is advised when reading the promo sheet. Some of them are worse than Media Markt advertisements.
However, in this case, one must say that the promo info is correct.
The songs push forward with power, anger, and full of melodies. The four horns have been somewhat pushed into the background, which I personally find a shame. They do provide good accents to the songs, but four horns can certainly bring more than just accents.
On the other hand, the drums are perfectly recorded. The guitars are also great. Philipp's vocals are varied, clearly audible, and fit well with the music.
The lyrics come across as very personal and deal with the injustice in the world and hopelessness. This is effective, even if it comes off as somewhat hopeless. To avoid falling into depression, there is musically upbeat, powerful, fast ska punk.
Quick and angry, one can dance their frustration away here.
For the first time, there is a German song from SKAFIELD. Here too, the lyrics are very good. They address the economic crisis and the further course of the world and the development of each individual. Well done. More of this!
Overall, "MEMORIES IN MELODIES" is a strong, fast, and powerful ska album that skillfully navigates around every emo cliff that sometimes arises when Philipp screams too painfully into the microphone. There are also slower pieces as a contrast. With this album, SKAFIELD makes a striking comeback. Live, the songs will surely hit even harder than on CD. You can experience this at various concerts of the band this year.
