This CD has been in my possession for quite sometime now and it is one of those CDs that I know I can put on and be instantly cheered up by. The reggae style keyboards keep every song upbeat and with the funky ska guitars and fast almost hip hop influenced vocal style this band are consistently upbeat. First track ‘Jumpy’ starts with that funky keys and guitar and is given the great dynamic blasts of trombone and drum and bass. As it kicks in the power it is evident that this band are not just a chilled ska outfit however as the drumming and heavy bass lines have a real metal vibe, which gives Jimmy a really hard edge to their sound. The dynamic is excellent as the drumming tones down as the fast spat vocals kick in and the song changes over and over from fast distorted guitars, bass and drums with chaotic keyboards to chilled reggae beats and more traditional ska melodies. Next up is ‘Planning For Emergency’, this song again starts with a fast, upbeat reggae ska feel and over the last few weeks I can safely say that with it’s catchy funky chorus with big harmonies and great vocal patterns this has become one of my favorite songs EVER! I just love the bounce it has and the keyboard line is awesome and really catchy, while the guitar, bass and drums hold the song down so well and you can’t help but sing along and with the cool trombone break at the end, I know have fallen in love with this song. ‘Fall In Line’ and final track ‘Oh Tell me’ continue the upbeat, catchy and yet dynamic blasts of punk ska. ‘Fall In Line’ has a much more punky and heavy chaotic edge with some great subtle trombone and one more a awesome dynamic but again is a really catchy number and a one that greats your dancing shoes moving. This is a great first E.P from Jimmy The Squirrel, it is well produced and has a really original and personal style of ska, mixing in reggae, punk, metal and funk to the produce a hot pot of musical goodness. It has moments of unbelievable catchiness, chaotic madness, funky danceability and even a touch heavy head banging somewhere in it. Diverse and interesting, Jimmy should be a band to watch out for.
