Wish We Never Met

This Kansas City-based ska outfit is teetering on the edge of greatness, but doesn't seem to be quite able to make the leap. What they have going for them is significant: a good ensemble groove, a solid grounding in the verities (check out the pitch-perfect rock steady sound they generate on Angel and a Devil) and instrumental facility (check out the very hip guitar part on Thinkin' 'Bout You). What they're lacking, though, is also pretty important: strong melodies, for one thing, and a mature individual style for another (note to singer: if you're going to imitate Vic Ruggiero, better write tunes as well as he does). Also, by your third album you're supposed to have figured out that no one outside the band wants to hear songs about touring (Cleveland, Ohio). Potential Grammy nomination: Jenny Jones (Leave the Death Rock Kids Alone) for Best Song Title on a Ska Album. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide