New Music: The Guacamole Incident by Taco Bandits
One of the most appropriate album titles of all time, The Guacamole Incident by Taco Bandits, dropped about a month ago and I am sorry I am just getting to it now.
The ska reggae vibes are strong in the Taco Bandits and The Guacamole Incident will surely have people skanking away the blues of the imminent harsh Ottawa winter. The newest ska-reggae band to hit the capital is made up of members of Sidelines, Fleeba and The Sentries. Their debut six track EP is a lot of fun and everything you want in a ska album, it has some fast moments, some slower moments, great sing a long opportunities and a whole lot of obvious dance breakdowns.
Two tracks that really stuck out are “Smile Politely” and “I’ll Repute.” “Smile Politely” has the perfect 90s ska and pop punk up stroke feel and flow to it. The band also samples “Believe, believe in me, believe…” from the Smashing Pumpkins’ hit “Tonight” which is pretty sweet. Where “Smile Politely” is 90s, “Seeing Red” has a more 80s rude dude vibe which transported me to dingy clubs in England when bands like The Specials and the English Beat where just kicking things off over there.
A really cool element of the album is the the radio distortion and clips musical clips throughout the EP. It starts in the intro and is weaved throughout with some great modern and older ska vibes. Feels like a very fitting tribute to the bands that influenced Taco Bandits to make the music they do.
Grab some chips and salsa or toss on your best dancing shoes and sink your teeth into The Guacamole Incident below.