Search - Insyderz :: Soundtrack to a Revolution

Ska is Not Dead

John | CA | 01/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I admit it. I began to despair. Lately it seems that alot of my favorite Christian ska is saying it's farewell to the upbeat, to it's Jamaican roots, and saying hello to a more radio friendly punk influence, (who would've thought the terms radio friendly and punk would ever match?). Five Iron Frenzy are on their way out, much to the silent weeping of Christian horn fans, The Supertones have gone into a much more 70's/80's influenced beat in which the horn is just a backup, and to be quite honest I have no clue what Squad 5-0 turned out to be, (didn't they used to be ska-core?).
With this in mind I was prepared for another switch when I heard that The Insyderz were doing a new album. I placed the new CD into my car deck with dread and cranked it in hopes of a horn or two when the first song arrived. "Soundtrack to a Revolution" begins with an anthem feel of drums pounding when not very long into it a sharp horn pop is heard. My friends I heard ska again! It came in the form of punk/ska but it was still there. They do not hide their sound but revel in it as they pound out a new CD that can only make you want to shout Amen with them. There is a theme here. The Insyderz have decided to tell a needed message, "No longer will I just sit back, as this world slowly dies" and this message is not said quietly.
Is the ska there though? Is it just a new punk with ska accent? No! The ska is there in full flavor. The sound is different. There is a more urgent hardcore sound throughout, but there is much brass for the rudie to revel in. If there is doubt I refer you to the song, "Testimony." If this song doesn't make you want to skank I know of few that will.
The Insyderz state it best when they say, "I know it's hard to think and it's hard to beleive that we're back from the dead and we're back on the scene once again, yeah back from the dead" right before a gorgeous horn tone pops in during the song, "God Almighty."
I am thankful that they've returned to bring hope to a hard, hornless period. All I ask is that the boys don't wait so long between this and the next CD. I'm anxious for a tour!"