Make It Better Later describes itself as ska/folk/punk and on the band’s second E.P. you’d be hard pushed to debate this. Opening track “The Deal” is an up tempo whisk of violin driven carnival folk. “Music By Numbers” is catchy as you like pop-punk, and “Unwind” has a sense of rocksteady ska flitting with funk. It’s a rambunctious mix of summertime sounds that may well get you dancing.
It might be easier to criticise and suggest reining the sound in a little but it’s this non-centralised style that makes this release work. You’re never quite sure what you’re going to get next and for this you’ll be grateful. Even final track “Soul Train”, presented in live format hinting at being here more to make up the numbers, offers a unique blend of acoustic and electric guitar that hints towards calypso.
The presence of violin might be misconstrued as gimmick, but the more you listen to this record the more you realise it is actually integral to the music. Add to this an inimitable vocal that at first has you scratching your head before becoming cosily charming, and you have the root of a band with an individual and organic sound. The theme throughout the E.P is one of criticalness towards the corporate music world. It’s hardly original but it’s delivered well, sarcastic with tongue firmly in cheek yet managing to steer clear of being crude or too ‘jokey’, a mistake others all too often make.
If you don’t like any one of the individual components (remember, that’s ska/folk/punk) you’re probably going to struggle with this record but if you’ve been won over by the likes of The King Blues and Chris Murray, or you just like bands that are not afraid to mix it up, then this is for you.
‘2’ is available now on iTunes through Periphony/Partyhouse Records. A physical release is in the works.
Alex