European punk rock all-stars Booze & Glory return with a second installment of their diverse ways, in which they take some of their more recent tunes and turn them into dance-friendly and instantly contagious reggae anthems.
The quick listen leads with the charming organ and breezy vocals of “Blood From A Stone,” where Karolina of CF98 fame lends her pretty pipes to the laidback climate. “Live It Up” then follows with an irresistible energy where the bright horns and swift drumming gets help from Sebastian, Damian and Kamil of Skankan fame for some body-groovin’ fun. Side A ends on “Three Point,” where Zbeer’s Bart is on hand for the gritty yet breezy ska-punk sounds that are as timeless as they are precise.
The remaining three tunes are just as well done and include the darker and powerful “Carry On.” “Back On Track” then embraces plenty of rhythm and melody that tips its hat to those who have done the punk/reggae formula the best—The Clash, Operation Ivy, etc.—as the Polish superstars Skankan return for the occasion. The album exits on “Ten Years,” where reflection on the band’s luminous career unfolds with much appreciation and warmth.
Booze & Glory might best be known for their street punk ways, though their first reggae focused listen, the aptly titled The Reggae Sessions, Vol. 1, made me a fan pretty quick. This follow up installment is yet another great reminder of how intertwined punk and reggae truly are.
At 45 RPMs on a 12” piece of colored wax, this one’s over pretty quick, but repeated listens only get better and better, which is saying much considering how well it settles just after one spin.
