here go's from what we've had so far
a small review from www.subba-culture.com
below is from glasswork.co.uk
They have already toured with Anthrax, Motorhead and Nick Olivieris Mondo Generator. The added exposure of a track on EA games Rugby 2006, and you could say there is a lot expected of S.K.W.A.D debut album The dead still dance. It is lucky then that they dont disappoint.
Rooted in rock and pop punk, the band led by brothers Todd and Dane Campbell (ex-members of Pyscho squad), with Michael Cocks on bass, combine to create an album that although basic is very effective and is enjoyable to listen to. The most striking and interesting part of the album is the fact that although the structure of the songs keep to the traditional verse chorus verse chorus bridge chorus end, the tracks still remain strangely unpredictable. This is mainly due to the small touches added to each song, the slight breaks in rhythm, the quick drum fills, are indeed the main positives that can be taken from the album.
It is not just the fills that make the drumming impressive on the album. Dane Campbell although uses conventional rhythms, exploits them well and keeps the rhythm section kicking along nicely. Cocks, on bass is also again solid. His bass lines are again rudimentary, but they dont need to set the world alight, and combined with the drumming make the rhythm section strong. An example of this can be seen on pink sweatband a pop punk kind of song, which would even attract those who are not fans of bands such as Sum 41 and Blink 182, again as the bridge is well written, and is used perfectly to build up the song, this song in particular sounds like it would be first-rate live.
The selling strength of the record can be seen in the songs choruses. Almost all are extremely catchy and will get a lot of people singing along in their car with their window down. Hail to the king especially will get everyone in the car screaming along. The catchy choruses will also attract younger listeners to the band and the opportunity is there for a largish fan base.
The only problem really is with the lyrics. They are a bit of the Lost Prophets school of stay true to yourself, be the best you can no-one else matters etc etc. Which does leave you frowning. Lyrics such as we are useless, we are waste of life, on the second trackThe useless, does bring reminders of Papa Roach. However they are not a lyric driven band and can be excused.
Fans of Neighbours will be delighted to learn there is a song about everyones favourite portly vegetarian Harold Bishop, however the disappointment hits as the title is not relevant to the title. Fair play to the boys though it got me to listen to it.
The dead still dance wont set your world alight but as debut albums go this is a good effort, and with a bit of luck could be a hit.
For more information you can visit: http://www.skwadrock.com
Review by: Matt Diner
below is from kerrang
s.k.w.a.d.
the dead still dance
(casket)
KKKK
Fizzing post punk debut from the land of song.
Like fellow welsh boys Mclusky it is a disservice to Pontypridd trio S.K.W.A.D. to call these boys 'punk'. Here, on their debut, and amid some searing riffs and catch choruses, is innovative songwriting and more ideas than most bands manage in a lifetime. Razor sharp and Blitzkrieg quick one minute, calm and expansive the next, they have the craft to change musical direction in a heartbeat without it ever sounding awkward. They need to consider changing that awful name and not including two three year old demos on their next album but other wise this is a stunning introduction to a stunning band.
Download: born.lie.fight.die
for fans of mclusky, ruben
below is from www.roomthirteen.com
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Buy a copy of S.K.W.A.D. - TheDeadStillDance here.
Find out more about S.K.W.A.D. here
The best album of its kind I've heard in a long time
Mon Jul 24 06:33:39 2006
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| by Pete Worral |
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Oh how I was dreading reviewing this album. The words punk and Blink 182 put shivers up my spine, so much that I nearly slipped a disc. It's not that I dislike punk, it's the so called contemporary pop punk that irritates my bowels. Maybe because it has little to do with the anarchic attitude of the original punk movement in the late seventies, and just an excuse for a lot of rock wannabes to strike the devil horns in the air. I was holding my head in shame because, as a reviewer, I was hanging on to my narrow-minded view of punk before objectively listening to S.K.W.A.D.
Hailing from Pontypridd (The home of rock n roll), S.K.W.A.D was formed in April 2004 from the remains of what was PsychoSquad, who were a name on the underground culminating in an appearance at the Reading Festival. I have to let it be known now that S.K.W.A.D is possibly the worst name for any band in the history of the human race. It's also an abbreviation, lord knows what S.K.W.A.D actually stands for, if it stands for anything at all. I love to be proven wrong though, and S.K.W.A.D's debut album, 'The Dead Still Dance,' has dispelled my opinion of modern day punk, and brought home the fact home that a few bands can actually write some damn fine tunes.
This isn't your normal cheesy punk rock worthless trash of the likes of Blink 182. This is a more varied and well thought out album, bared out by the list of different influences on their press release. Even though they list bands such as Ben Folds to Life of Agony, you can't really hear it in the music, but I think it caused their creative cycle to have a diverse quality whilst not venturing too far from the direction of the band. It's not an easy skill to master, and not many bands can claim to have such a talent. 'The Useless' for example, with its driving rhythm, is very different in attitude and delivery to 'Hopes and Reasons,' but both tracks sound very much S.K.W.A.D.
The production is clean, tidy and powerful. The drums especially, sound perfectly produced and sit well in the mix. Todd's vocals are solid, and not whiny in the slightest. Because of this, the great collection of melodies and infectious choruses on this album are instantly likeable. Even the two demos tagged on the end, 'Harold Bishop' and 'Dress like you' sound great, and a relief because they allow the enjoyment of this disc to continue just that little bit longer.
For myself I heard a lot of Filter, Helmet and Fireside in S.K.W.A.D's music, and if I am being truthful I would say S.K.W.A.D are more rock that goes on a date with punk, sleeps with it and doesn't call it the next day. Unfortunately the band is British, which usually means they'll be confined to playing the small pubs and clubs. With the recent rock revolution and its drift in to the mainstream, I think S.K.W.A.D will fit quite nicely within the hullabaloo of media friendly rock. I just hope they're not too late or get lost in the musical laundry basket with all the talentless, manufactured wannabes. It would be a real shame if this were to happen.
Track Listing
01 - Jimmy and mary
02 - The useless
03 - Pink sweatband
04 - Hail to the king
05 - Bor.Lie.Fight.Die
06 - Team blowout
07 - Home
08 - Why?
09 - Asshole
10 - We will never lose (to you)
11 - Hopes and reasons
12 - Draw to a close
13 - Harold Bishop (demo 2002)
14 - Dress like you (demo 2002)
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