Search - Chinkees :: Peace Through Music

Mike Park once again rules!

Clifford | California, USA | 05/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Chinkees' latest album thoroughly deserves 5 stars. Amidst the aftermath of the ska/punk revival and skate punk emergence, the Chinkees are a ska band with a mission... educate and make people aware of racism. Mike Park, former singer and saxophonist for the monumental ska/punk band Skankin' Pickle, emerges from his experimentation to once again dominate this genre. The Chinkees, formed to educate others and deal with racism through music have created a political, yet catchy and poppy album. While bands such as Blink 182 rely on toilet humor to capture audiences, Mike Park utilizes incredibly deep lyrics and a message of peace and unity to draw in questioning listeners. And while the poetic lyrics are enough to justify purchasing this album, the organ played by Richard Morin is perhaps the icing on this catchy pop rock cake. The album encounters many shifts of focus along its way. Park has strategically ordered the tracks in such a way that listeners can encounter the very thoughts that flow through him. The album begins with Park's concerns about his ailing father which leads to a perfect segue way about the racism and struggles that his father has endured in both Korea and the US. The focus on his father eventually ends upon the track "Ultraman," which is an forthright cry about his father condition. With lyrics such as, "my ultraman has fallen down, his light is flashing on the ground," listeners can sense the emotion that Park is going through. After that track, Park begins a series of songs that serve as social commentary in response to poverty, ignorance, and once again education before ending on a pure pop acoustic song entitled "Will I Have a Chance." Despite the seeming dreary subject matter, Park unleashes an array of catchy melodies designed to make listeners sing along. But in the end, the subject matter and message that the Chinkees bring once again prevail to forge an album that thrusts racism and bigotry into a position no longer ignored. Peace Through Music rightfully deserves and earns 5 stars. In a musical era of crassness, superficiality and sexuality, the Chinkees have produced a sing along album that inspires, educates and brings hope to a cause thoroughly worth fighting for..."

It Takes Awhile

R. J. Burks | Cotati, CA | 09/07/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Mike Park has consitently made great records for as far back as I can remember. This album took awhile to hit me. It's not as instantly catchy as "The Chinkees Are Coming" but it's every bit as good. I belive that this one is well worth your investment and give it a couple listens."

I Don't Even Like Ska!

johnnyproblem | New Castle, DE. USA | 10/26/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm confused. On a whole ska terrifies me and ska/punk/core is usually even worse, yet I LOVE this record. Much like OpIvy these guys seem to some how transcend the genres/stereotypes and just get inside your head. Not to say this sounds anything like OpIvy or will have anywhere near that kinda impact but they are a good reference point for the Chinkees. As far as an actual review I would call them politically aware, upbeat, pop-punk oriented ska. They make you feel good while hopefully helping inform the kids about the ever present problems of racism/poverty. I don't know enough about the band to gauge thier sincererity but if they do indeed practice what they preach then they are almost to good to be true."