Dingees
Armageddon Massive
BEC Records

Here's a CD with elements of ska, punk, and reggae - three types of music about which I know very little. I do know, however, that I really like most of what I've heard from the Dingees. Vocals are not the strength of this collection, but the music is fun. The first two tracks start punk, with that fast bass/guitar/drum thing. Track 3 turns suddenly ska, adding keyboard, trumpet and sax. It's one of my favorite tunes - the kind that's laid-back, yet moves.

"It Could Be Worse" brings with it a reggae backbeat and socially conscious lyrics. The vocals on this and "Deadman" are at their best. "Deadman" incorporates a reggae feel, too, and adds a really cool keyboard/organ sound.

If lounge/reggae exists, track 7, "Betrayal" would be it. There's some fabulous trumpet, and its unique sound makes it my fave track on the CD.

Most of the other tracks are punk, although "Workin' Man's Blues" seems to have an "old-school" punk feel, whereas the rest are closer to alternative punk. Remember, though, I'm no expert, so you might want to check this one out and decide for yourself. It'll be fun, if nothing else.

-Tommy S.

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