THE PIETASTERS
Awesome Mix Tape #6 (Hellcat)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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On their second Hellcat release, the Pietasters strip back their Two-Tone ska veneer to reveal more of its rock and soul underpinnings, at times sounding like more like a soul band playing a ska arrangement than a ska band playing a soul song. Which is, actually, a very good thing. Younger acts that become more aware of the roots of their material will inevitably profit from the knowledge, and the Pietasters have taken a step forward on Awesome Mix Tape #6.

If their Moon Records debut was a pretty straight ahead ska project, and Willis was their tip to the punk scene that provided a home for the ska revival, then Awesome Mix Tape #6 is, well, it's an awesome mix. The band is still one of the tightest, toughest ska units on the scene, and tracks like "Somebody" prove that their punk cred is still intact, but they've broadened their base considerably by looking back to ska's roots, and then updating those through a contemporary musical lens.

This is the kind of record that makes you look forward to the next one, because these guys continue to demonstrate an impressive ability to move forward with their music. Meanwhile, there's plenty to enjoy on this CD until the next one arrives, and the Pietaster's are touring fools, so you'll no doubt get a chance to seem them real soon.

Track List:

Chain Reaction * Yesterday's Over * Crying Over You * Everyday With You * What I Do * Chooch's Bitch * Can't Stand It * Crawl Back Home * Wasted * Take Some Time * Spiderview * Somebody * Duf-Fi (Superdeformed Mix)

© 1999 - Shaun Dale