No Torso - Ready Already

Artist: No Torso

Album: Ready Already

Label: Asian Man Records

Despite existing in Europe for the past six years, the No Torso's distinctive ska beats did not formally reached the North American shores until 2006.  I have to admit, I fall into that category of people unfamiliar with No Torso and am just finding introduction to the group with their six song 2008 Ready Already EP.  Truthfully I'm appalled at my lack of familiarity because No Torso might just be one of the only ska bands to genuinely advance the stagnant genre past 90's third wave nostalgia.  Critics applauded Big D and the Kids Table's Strictly Rude album as the most important ska album of the decade - but I didn't really buy into that, it simply drew too heavily on past influences instead of looking ahead.  On the other hand, No Torso have crafted a sound that subtly draws upon almost every ska influence imaginable, while sounding incredibly fresh and relevant to todays music.  

They accomplish this by having a lead vocalist, Lars Oskarssen, with an incredibly smooth voice, and a slight but evident "indie" orientation that produces a very soulful flow to most tracks - quite a mouthful for something that feels so natural.  The band also consists of a massive eight members, including a sizable and incredibly tight brass section.  Thankfully nothing is overused since the band draws upon trumpets, horns and their jazzy sax for specific purposes.  Instrumentally, many track intros, with their short and bouncy trumpet blows, draw initial comparisons to bands like Boston's Mighty Mighty Bosstones.  But while they retain the Bosstones' "big" feel, the tracks subtly morph into their own entities.  For example, after a very reggae inspired introduction, a portion of "You Tell Me's" chorus actually had me making comparisons to New York Punk Cabaret The World/Inferno Friendship Society.  Meanwhile, other tracks like "Oh Brother" take on a "swing" inspired feel.  To say the least, finding this many influences in six tracks is a rarity.  

Lyrically, No Torso preaches an incredibly sunny outlook on life not uncommon to ska groups.  Even tracks about loss an disapointment, like "Suffering in Stereo," emit a sense of optimism. Thankfully though, the soundscape overshadows the lyrics, allowing for overlooking their cliched nature.

In six songs and 17 minutes No Torso demonstrates a refreshing interpretation of ska.  Their sparing use of their immense horn section and integration of various influences make them accessible to practically anyone.  Because of such wide appeal, I anticipate finding Ready Already on various year end lists.