Reviewer : Pete of Punktastic
�Go National� is the new release from Yorkshire based ska boys Nine Pound Note. I�ll start by saying that this record is completely self recorded and self produced in their own bedrooms, which I believe shows how dedicated these guys are to making a difference in the national music scene, and with this latest offering, I don�t think it�ll be too long before they take things a step further. The production is first rate, as is the musicianship (mainly concerning the brass section,) coupled with the bands interesting sense of humour, this album is one ska fans what to look in to.
12 songs of up-beat ska pop are what�s on the plate with this beast. I�ve always been lead to believe that ska is a bit of a love � hate genre. There�s usually a big divide between people on whether they like it or not. Fortunately, I have always found ska to be pretty easy listening, there�s not a lot you can stick your nose up at as it�s all so harmless and is generally a good laugh. It�s all about having a good time, and with some of the songs on this album, it�s apparent from the beginning that Nine Pound Note are the epitome of their own genre. Top class tunes on offer are �Go National,� �Lady Penelope� and �Green Eyed Girl.� There are one or two songs that drag out a little, and I would say that this record is possibly a couple of songs too long, particular for a small scale band trying to attract new fans. However, those already converted should be rubbing their hands together.
It will be interesting now to see how this album pushes the band into the UK spot light. With ska not exactly been the favourite with the record labels and major press at the moment, particularly across this country, there are still a lot of fans out their on the under ground scene absorbing it, and Nine Pound Note now have the potential to excel in their chosen genre should they want to.
:: 4/5
CD Review of "Go National"
Reviewer : Bryan of Ska, Punk, & Other Junk
A young UK ska punk band that recorded this whole CD in a bedroom. Gotta give the band recognition for doing their CD DIY because the recording doesn't sound bad at all. Granted, if they recorded this in a nice fancy studio and polished their sound a little bit, they could be up there with the bigger known ska bands out in the scene today. Worth looking into.
:: 3/5
CD Review of "Go National"
Reviewer : Alt-UK
First things first � this album is not perfect, but then again nothings perfect, and it was recorded and mastered in a band members bedroom so I reckon that with this the band have really done a remarkable job. It takes a lot to go out of your way to make an album without being signed to any label at all, and also shows guts and determination to succeed on the bands behalf. Nine Pound Note have almost certainly got a good future ahead of them as a band as they are all obviously very hard working musicians aiming for bigger things. The band actually organised a �Go National� UK tour all by themselves, which again shows their hard work and determination to succeed in this industry. Its very hard for bands to organise a UK tour by themselves so Nine Pound Note need to be congratulated for this.
Ok, now onto the most important matter of all and what I�m sure you�re all dying to read � my views on the album. The CD kicks off with the amazingly catchy �Go National.� This is one of those Ska Pop anthems that you can just visualise a bunch of kids going mad to at the front, skanking their arses off as this track is played. It is an amazingly catchy little number and contains some sublime horn action, as well as some blinding vocals, and perfectly placed backing vocals. It is a great track, but is by no means what the band are renowned for on this CD � whereas this is a leave your brain at home, crazy, fun filled, Ska anthem, a lot of their stuff is extremely intelligently written music that is great to listen to and you can really take in. A lot of their songs have a harder hitting edge, and this sounds great! However, at times the horn section doesn�t sound too pretty and could probably do with some fine tuning, but I�m sure that the band can easily sort this and develop in to a fine UK band. A problem that a lot of bands have when they start is having a horn section that is a bit inexperienced � but with hard touring the players soon improve creating a much more polished sound that is easier on the ears. Most of the time the horn section sounds great, but it is just little mistakes and non fluency in places that spoils it a bit.
There are 12 great tracks on display hear, showing off an array of different sounds � but every one is packed with juicy Ska goodness. The vocals show signs of genius; there are many a fine bass line, some seriously strong guitar riffs, superb drumming, and some definite talent to be worked with in the horn section of the band. Nine Pound Note are a young band, yet they are showing some great maturity here in this music and they definitely have the determination to get themselves to the top, so there is no reason why they can�t achieve this some day in the not too distant future. I expect to see a lot more from this band over the coming year � and if they carry on with this much effort and determination it won�t be long before the band get signed.
:: 4/5
CD Review of "Plan 9 From Outer Ska"
Reviewer : Mike Facey of State Of Emergency
Wow. This could be the most brilliant little records I have heard in ages. While the quality of appearance on the CD lacks incredibly, (that glorious homemade style), Ninepoundnote deliver ten minutes of mouth-watering ska punk. The Bradford seven-piece have gained their influences from a broad spectrum of 80�s 2-tone bands to modern day punk, culminating in their own flavour of British ska. This early 2004 release should really cement them as one of the fledgling UK ska bands really making a stand for themselves.
Although you gather the feeling that ska is a down-trodden genre, difficult to break into a broad spectrum of mass appeal and rather too quirky at times, Ninepoundnote try to liven up your day with memorable songs inspired by fun. So the band may not receive the recognition they wholly deserve, but at least their having a kick ass time doing what they love. The reggae rock energy manages to twist songs in several sublime directions of power, catchiness and euphoria that only ska brings.
During this record the vocals are warmly delivered over the sonic brass and the solid drumming. The guitars are often lost amongst the layers of bass, brass and drums but this is only a slight flaw. �Flat Stanley� has a cheeky tingling space-invaders beat in the background which does get too noticeable but is still fun. The song is direct and attractive with solid breakdowns and tight lyrics. �Good Night, Good Morning, Goodbye� is a track tackled with notorious ska guile. Instantly open and in-your-face with harmonies and bouncy chorus, this song sums up the potential Ninepoundnote can unleash. While �Rude Brew� plays slower, it demonstrates an alteration of tempo but loses none of that loveable sound. Focusing on the musical elements of the band, this instrumental allows the record to rest with a laidback and chilled out groove. Finishing the record is �Plan 9�. A song that lacks what the others contained but still manages to not undermine the tight sound and defiant efforts to compile this record. A classic sound is delivered but this instantly hints at a lack of experimentation from the band.
This is dramatic brass overload. �Plan 9 Fom Outer Ska� is filled with a moving selection of funkified sounds and get-up-and-go that supply each song with its own unique oomph. The bands enthusiasm is captured in this record in each uplifting verse and sparkly chorus. So you may hear hints of unoriginal sounds or under-production in places but what you hear overall is a gem of a little record.
Standout Tracks: �Good Night, Good Morning, Goodbye� & �Rude Brew�
:: 4/5
Live Review of Friday 30th April 2004
Reviewer : Rik H Dammit of The Observatory
The last time we saw ninepoundnote we weren't expecting much, so Mark and myself opted to sit stage-right to avoid having to see them. Surprisingly the Bradford seven-piece seem to have taken note of our review; gone were the typical ska-style black and white checked ties and porkpie hats, and without the posturing and in-jokes ninepoundnote actually impress us. Their sound is now more honed and enjoyable, sounding like Sticks and Stones era- New Found Glory if NFG had a few trumpets in the mix.
ninepoundnote's set seems a little too short as they try to fill their newly extended time slot but the crowd is worked up from the very start, skanking the floor of the venue to dust. A great performance from a rapidly improving band.
:: 7/10
