Record Label: Skarnival Music
Genre:
Band Link:
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I’ve heard of this band somewhere somehow. I really didn’t know what to expect from this album. What I did get was something that seems to be lacking in the music scene today…an up-and-coming ska/punk band that isn’t afraid to play it fast and loud as well as breaking it down with some serious ska riddums. What really surprised me is that the lead vocalist is a female. *gasp* With most of the other female fronted ska bands no longer in existence (Save Ferris, Skankin Pickle) or just hanging out in limbo (Dance Hall Crashers), it was very refreshing to see that this particular niche is still alive somewhere.

Kevin Goes 2 College plays a fast paced, ska-influenced punk similar to the likes of older Catch 22/Streetlight Manifesto, Big D & the Kids Table, or Slapstick. There are a lot of fast songs…well there are mostly all fast songs considering the fact that “Always Never The Same” only has seven songs on it for a grand total of a mere 18 minutes. Most songs jump from fast punk to ska upstrokes and continue to alternate back and forth throughout the course of the song. Punk music seems to take the most precedence, but the horn section stays with the song no matter what direction it takes. The songwriting is very good and the band manages to avoid the goofy ska song that’s a quick hit with the twelve year olds. I was digging the sounds of the lead singer, Jen. Her voice somehow managed to flow perfectly with whatever the rest of the band was playing and it wasn’t high-pitched or whiny like some or the other female punk singers. It was very soothing to my ears.

All in all, I’d say that this is one of the best new bands that I’ve heard in the past few years. I was really impressed with the overall sound and quality of this compact disc recording. My only disappointment with “Always Never The Same” is that it was so damn short. I am left wanting more of the same. If you’re a fan of any of the above- mentioned bands, then Kevin Goes 2 College is probably right up your alley. Check them out at www.kevingoes2college.com or at you local grocers freezer.

Bottom Line: Great female-fronted ska/punk.
Notable Tracks: All of them! Tree Of Might, Going 2 A Show, Never Giving Up are three of my favorites.
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