Record Label: Union Label Group
Genre: Trad Ska
Band Link: link
Buy on Amazon.com link

I appreciate good neo-trad ska, but the debut from this Montreal band is lackluster and yawn-inducing. The best thing I can say about them is that they do a decent job imitating the Slackers, down to the raspy vocals, muted trumpets, and needless percussion instruments.

Trad ska is not an easy genre for a band to win over new fans. A band needs to tap into the roots, and yet be original, exciting, and accessible. One Night Band are not, and they fail to provide any reason for you to care about them, unless you have a deep desire to be drowsy.

Another problem with trad ska is when a band emphasizes chops over songwriting. One Night Band are more song-oriented than freeform jazzy, but slow-tempo organ and horn solos lazily exist throughout. Without them, the songs would still be boring and unmemorable, but they certainly don’t help your attention span.

Live may be a different story, but “Way Back Home” sorely lacks energy and distinction. It made me sleepy and sad.

Bottom Line: Yawn.
Notable Tracks: “Rescue Me.” It’s actually a bad cover, but yes – please rescue me.
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