Do we really need to write anything about THE BUSTERS?
Perhaps the most well-known ska band in Germany.
Perhaps the most active ska band in Germany.
Definitely one of the very few ska bands that combines all styles of ska in their music and, despite a loyal and large fanbase, has hardly received any radio play, let alone the media recognition they deserve.
Maybe that's a good thing. After all, the band has all the artistic freedom. The album, like the previous ones, has been released on "Ska Revolution Records," the band's own label.
The band has been around since 1987, and with their self-titled album, which was released on November 15, 2019, they have released their twentieth (!) album. That's something that not many bands can claim.
There are few dates in the year that are set well in advance. One of them is the tour of THE BUSTERS, which regularly takes place at the beginning of each year. These are always concert nights that let the sun shine during the gray season. It warms the heart, lifts the spirits, and no one can stay still.
There's a lot to say about the new album with its fifteen songs, yet it is typical of THE BUSTERS. You can always hear the band's style, and yet this album is different from the last ones. This is due to the immense variety that the band offers on this album. You can hear 2-Tone, Rocksteady, Dancehall, Ska-Pop, a bit of punk, a bit of rock, a bit of Britpop, some dub influences, and pop. While variety is not unusual for the band, they have really stepped it up with this album. The whole thing comes through the speakers in the usual high-quality recording and is definitely fun. In the end, it might get a bit too poppy, but that's nitpicking at a very high level and doesn't constitute a real criticism. We all know that the band grooves live, plays forward, and doesn't waste time with plastic music.
Lyrically, there are perhaps some more radical texts than before, although... when I think about it, THE BUSTERS have never held back.
The lyrics of the songs "World gone Mad," "Born to be Fierce," and the empowering "More Love" are very clear! Strong statements!
Of course, it's not always just about the big themes with THE BUSTERS, but sometimes also about dreams, longings, and having fun dancing. This is especially enjoyable when Richie Alexander aka Dr. Ring Ding takes the microphone. Is there anyone in this country who has more groove in their voice?
With this album, THE BUSTERS emphasize their special status. A status that they have continually reinforced with their recent albums. They simply always produce good songs. There is so much musical and lyrical competence present that one could almost say, "They can do everything!"
The album comes in a beautifully designed digipack (the famous dog from the first record covers makes an appearance again) with a poster booklet.
At the beginning of 2020, THE BUSTERS will go on a big tour again, and what else can I say but that you have to go see them. Concerts by the band from Wiesloch have been, are, and will always be fantastic.
Melodies creating memories,
for my heart's treasures
and so much more to love...
