For Streetlight "Mani-fans" that have spun Everything Goes Numb and Keasbey Nights to death and are in need of some new tunes to skank to, the band's latest release, Somewhere in the Between will be a God-send.
Though only toting 10 tracks, Somewhere in the Between does brandish the fun, horn-heavy sound that's garnered Streetlight Manifesto countless poorly-dressed and dancing-impaired fans across the nation.
. Ska never really broke into the mainstream for longer than a few years back in the '90s. Despite its now-limited cult popularity, the genre remains strong thanks to old and new fans who continue to support bands like Streetlight.
Streetlight has spread their musical manifest destiny throughout the ska world, mainly due to the fact that a few former Catch 22 members, including lead singer and songwriter Tomas Kalnoky, founded them.
While Numb, their pioneer record, was nothing short of being a ska-inspired credo, Keasbey Nights was devoid of that fresh, funky feeling.
In a way, Between is really the follow-up album for Streetlight because it contains all new songs and will likely become the new anthem for the band.
Opener "We Will Fall Together" retains the Streetlight sound and is a refreshing way to re-spark the flame between the band and its followers.
While those who are new to Streetlight will wonder who that guy with the scratchy voice yelling is, old fans will fall in love with Kalnoky's distinct voice all over again.
The best songs on this new release are "Down, Down, Down to Mephisto's Caf?(c)" and "One Foot On The Gas, One Foot In The Grave." Each represent the essence of Streetlight Manifesto and will certainly make listeners tap their foot.
These tracks, along with "Somewhere In The Between," have that feeling of being hits for fans and newcomers alike.
Sadly, the good comes with the bad when creating a new album, and a few songs feel a little too familiar.
"Would You Be Impressed?" and "The Blonde Lead The Blind" seem like a been-there-done-that motif. Not that they aren't as catchy as the other tracks, but some of the beats sound exactly like a few songs from Everything Goes Numb, and it's time for something new.
The horns are what really make Streetlight standout. For those new to ska, the music is very upbeat and literally makes listeners want to get up and dance. Streetlight's new album is full of songs that crowds will be skanking to in the near future.
The fact is that Somewhere in the Between grabs attention from the first minute all the way to its gratifying conclusion with the incredibly catchy "What a Wicked Gang Are We."
For fans feeling the urge to blow on something shiny and shake that tail feather wildly off beat, Somewhere in the Between is just the musical catalyst to evoke said response.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
