REVIEWS
 The Toasters | One More Bullet
Released 4.07
Stomp Records
Reviewed by Thomas Nobles |
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The Toasters are back! The release of One More Bullet marks the return of America’s longest running band of ska pioneers to their rightful place at the genre’s forefront. One More Bullet is the first original full-length to be released by the Toasters since 2002s Enemy of the State. The new album was recorded in Spain and features guest performances from members of other highly respected ska bands including Mephiskapheles, the Slackers, and Los Skarnales. Throughout the Toasters’ lengthy career ska fans worldwide have been drawn to the band’s natural charm and instrumental skill. I wasn’t really sure what to expect from One More Bullet, but thankfully every track remains true to the classic Toasters vibe. As usual Jason Nwagbaraocha’s signature bass lines seem destined to pack the dance floor with grooving bodies, and on every track the horn section sounds as tight and talented as ever. I am sure that both longtime fans and first time listeners alike will be quite pleased with this new batch of tunes from the Toasters.
One More Bullet kicks off to a very infectious start with the tracks “What a Gwan,” “Night Train to Moscow,” and “Where’s the Freedom?” One thing I noticed right from the start of “What a Gwan,” is that Nwagbaraocha’s vocals are a little tough to understand due to his accent. Although I’m still not sure what a “gwan” is, or what the words to the chorus are, this song seems to be a commentary on some form of government surveillance: “Big brother’s watching in your home and in your car / knows who you’re talking to / and where your brothers are.” The Toasters then experiment with some cool vocal effects on “Night Train to Moscow,” where the verses sound like they’re being sung through a megaphone. So far my favorite tracks are “One More Bullet,” and “Run Rudy Run Redux,” which is an amazing remake of a song from the band’s 1987 release, Skaboom! One More Bullet also includes covers of Dave Clark’s “Bits and Pieces,” and the Everly Brothers’ “When Will I be Loved.” All things said and done, One More Bullet is simply a great new album from a band that’s been rocking the global ska scene longer than I’ve been breathing.
The Toasters website
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