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Who the f**k are The Slackers?
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altmusic, Who the f**k are The Slackers? >>
Close My Eyes
Slackers, The
Who the fuck are The Slackers? It's a burning question many have asked me when I've ranted about this new CD, but hopefully after reading this review, you'll be a little more informed about this classic band.
I have to whole heartedly admit, I'd never heard any of the music by The Slackers before this album, and somehow I wonder where the hell I sidetracked to to miss such a great little band. Taking obvious influence from old reggae, ska, blues and jazz, The Slackers seem to be stuck in a time capsule, bringing forth the crackly, boppy, weed-driven sounds of old, yet it's so refreshing to hear a band of such quality still around.
Staring off with 'Shankbon', an intro instrumental, it's obvious that this band don't half like their instruments; this theme shows persistently throughout, and instead of relying on the standard reggae/ska upbeat, The Slackers whisper in other sounds perfectly. From soulful sax solos to 'big band' fanfares from the brass, the musicianship is absolutely top class.
In case you can't get enough of the good old reggae sound, The Slackers bring brilliant backing vocals, creating wonderfully deep sounds, complimenting the lead beautifully. Although it has to be said that The Slackers are obviously 'riding' on a formula invented many years ago, this is an irrelevant factor when you consider the quality of the music they're producing; combined this with the fact that they constantly leak their own style in, there's something pretty unique about this band.
Perhaps the most endearing factor of the album is the progression of moods; there's a careful blend of fast and slow which is so intricately formed that the music sinks subtlety into the background of your day. From the low-fi beats to the lazy (incidentally, there's a track entitled 'Lazy Woman' on the album) beats, 'Close My Eyes' is just a wonderful way to chill; perhaps slightly late considering the recent demise of the summer, but still worth every penny if reggae rings your bell.
Richard Amos
richard@altmusic.net
altmusic say: 9/10
Visitors say: 10/10 09/01/03 >> go there
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