Robb Blake – One Man Ska Explosion

If you're an old 2 Tone fan and you want something new to listen to in that kind of vein then you won't go far wrong with Ex-Whitmore, frontman Robb Blake's second solo album which contains a selection of stripped down, catchy 2 tone inspired ska & reggae. The whole LP is nicely paced and you'll soon find yourself singing-a-long along with the catchy choruses and drink fuelled lyrics. The LP should appeal to a broad section of people with its easy going feel and Robb's melodic vocals that now and then drift towards a more Joe Cocker style growl. Pick of the tracks for me are," Pick Yourself Up", with its rocksteady, feel interspersed with ska breaks. "It's Never Over" and blistering opening track "Trafficlight", the opening lines 'head like a traffic light, burning red, machinegun mouth..' a great way to describe your girlfriend going off on one at you.....been there and got the badge!
There are some more mellow moments that stand out like "Friends Of Mine" with its more pop feel and rocky guitar riff plus the acoustic "Waiting For The Rain" a song about drinking to forget....a theme which along with women trouble appears to be prominent throughout the album.
So all in all a good LP, which will sit nicely within anyone's collection, also really liked the cover, that pays a fine homage to the “Trojan Explosion” classic sleeve design of old.

Track list;

1. Trafficlight

2. Drink It Dry

3. Pick Yourself Up (And Move Along)

4. Friends Of Mine
5. 10ft Wall

6. The Fun Has Just Begun

7. 0-60

8. Easy Come Easy Go

9. It's Never Over (Till Its Won)

10. 3 People, 1 Shell

11. Turn The Page

12. Waiting For The Rain

13. If Ya Leave Me

14. Until Next Time