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Review of Bienvenidos by
Alex Steininger
The
Parka Kings are an up tempo third wave ska band. But they don't get
stuck into any label. They throw everything they have at you, and
can play various styles of ska. Ranging from reggae beats to traditional
ska, and right back up to the third wave up tempo beats that line
most of their songs, boy can they play it all. No matter what kind
of ska your into, you'll find something you like here.
The CD starts off with "City Limits," a very up tempo ska
song with style. From the first beats you'll jump right up from the
couch and start skankin' your ass off. Your feet will move along with
the vigorous ska guitar, while the drums and the bass will create
a driving force for you. The song will change paces and slow down
at times, which will give you time to rest, but don't hold your breathe.
They'll jump right back into some beautifully composed melodies that
will give you no other choice but to dance. The horns are bright and
thick, and add a lot of emotion and power to the song. "Mob Boss"
gives you a different taste of what this band can do, and what they
are about. It's a lot more traditional, and for the most part leans
a lot on the reggae side, including the vocals. The keyboards feel
like a nice, cool breeze that flows through your hair. The whole song
will remind you of drinking pi??olada's on the beach in some sunny,
tropical climate. Beautiful girls walking by you, and your having
the time of your life. It's a very relaxing and mellow song, and shows
this bands diversity. "Midnight Sails" goes back to some
ska, but it's a long less frantic than the first few songs. Now they
slow down the pace. The horns are the dominate factor in the song,
and the vocals add the background for the whole song. The guitar will
have you dancing along, while the melody will have you hooked and
trying to sing along. "Pablo Can't Take It" starts off soft,
but goes right back to the up tempo ska that these guys are so great
at. Screeching guitars run through the song during the chorus, but
the song returns to it's gentle, but up tempo, pace. "Jefferson
Assembly" is another up tempo song that gets your feet dancing
along. The horns add a soft touch to the song, while the vocals add
an up beat feeling to the song. While the horns are playing you'll
feel every note that flows from them, and when the vocalist sings
his words will drill right to your heart. "Drug Prowling Wolf"
is one of the best songs on the album. The guitar gets your feet movin'
at a frantic pace, and when the chorus hits it adds a lot of fuzz
and punk related licks to it's score. But it quickly jumps right back
up and makes your feet keep movin'. They do slow it down in a few
places, but that's only to make sure you don't burn the bottom of
your shoes on the floor because your skankin' so fast. The CD ends
with "One by One," a song to drink too. It's a very happy,
comical song. It's got the hooks to nab you in (even though it's only
forty six seconds), and it gives off a good vibe. A great way to end
the CD, with a fun lovin' song. Like I said, you never know what these
guys are going to do. They are so talented, they can throw something
your way once, and something totally different that will throw you
off guard next.
Do
you like bands that know how to have a good time, and don't get caught
up in their own labels and titles? If so, this is the band for you.
They can play just about any style of ska out there, and they can
play it to perfection. These guys can rock! Get this CD! I'll give
it an A. Don't pass it up!