A look back at 2006
January 3rd 2007 05:52
2006 was an interesting year for reggae and ska, particularly in Sydney. The early part of the year was very quiet and until Neville Staple, then The Beat and finally The Strange Tenants, there really was very little on in terms of what I wanted to go to. 45 RPM was a new club that was much enjoyed, but at once a month it just wasn’t enough.
Luckily though, it did pick up. One of the highlights for me was supporting The Beat and playing to roughly 500 people as first support. Another was of course The Skorcher Weekender, which culminated in the sold out harbour cruise with our friends Complete Madness and the Ska Vendors from Melbourne.
Another new club came on to the scene. They went by the name Dynamite and aimed at a Surry Hills crowd, were a new and infectious sound, of which is now a staple during the month. Firehouse are still going strong and starting this summer at Spectrum was the Freedom Sounds nights, which have become quite well frequented.
In terms of bands further afield, the Ska Vendors improved immensely and it was good to see a number of Melbourne young bands popping up (or strengthening), such as the Beefeaters and the Knockabouts (who I am yet to see either of). Overseas, every is now talking about the Aggrolites as the best reggae band going around and they even supported Madness late this year. Europe, particularly Germany, Spain and Italy definitely cemented themselves as the world centres for ska and reggae, though all of Europe should really get a mention.
All in all it is the year of the ska scene doing a full circle. Gone is the third wave well and truly and so many bands are coming forward to play sounds inspired by the Jamaican bands from between 1964 and 1972. It is pretty exciting and I hope we have more of the same this year.
Luckily though, it did pick up. One of the highlights for me was supporting The Beat and playing to roughly 500 people as first support. Another was of course The Skorcher Weekender, which culminated in the sold out harbour cruise with our friends Complete Madness and the Ska Vendors from Melbourne.
Another new club came on to the scene. They went by the name Dynamite and aimed at a Surry Hills crowd, were a new and infectious sound, of which is now a staple during the month. Firehouse are still going strong and starting this summer at Spectrum was the Freedom Sounds nights, which have become quite well frequented.
In terms of bands further afield, the Ska Vendors improved immensely and it was good to see a number of Melbourne young bands popping up (or strengthening), such as the Beefeaters and the Knockabouts (who I am yet to see either of). Overseas, every is now talking about the Aggrolites as the best reggae band going around and they even supported Madness late this year. Europe, particularly Germany, Spain and Italy definitely cemented themselves as the world centres for ska and reggae, though all of Europe should really get a mention.
All in all it is the year of the ska scene doing a full circle. Gone is the third wave well and truly and so many bands are coming forward to play sounds inspired by the Jamaican bands from between 1964 and 1972. It is pretty exciting and I hope we have more of the same this year.
| 58 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
