CD: “Tales of the Expected” by Skaema

Bournemouth’s finest exponents of all things Post/Punk have released their rather fine debut for our reviewing pleasure, and I will attempt to shelve my bias while waxing lyrical about this fine body of work. The collection opens with “Watcher” with its thumping bass intro. Straight away I’m getting visions of The Stranglers in their late 70’s pomp. There’s even the obligatory keys mid-section but Duncan’s bass is the star turn here. Andy (drums) keeps the beat regular and again that keys section shows its face late on. Neil’s vocal is slightly throaty but it’s the perfect opener. “Devil In A Dress” is a quirky lil’ number, (I’m reliably informed) about someone’s Mother-in-Law! The thumping bass masks a simple guitar part, the vocals are far more direct while I feel the lyrics tell a story. It’s chunky, bouncy even. Latterly it goes off on a tangent in the bridge where key basslines keep it interesting.

“Hey” is another nod to the previously mentioned, but this is no Stranglers tribute. Borrow from your heroes while creating your own style I say! The keys take centre stage here, set to a frenetic beat amid subtle bass lines. The vocals are somewhat questioning and one could sight Marc E. Smith as an influence – it’s a positive nod to (IMO) Punk’s first wave. “Go West” is a dark and sinister tale about a most infamous couple. A menacing vocal and no punches pulled lyrically, matched by a brooding bass and precise drumming. It’s truly evil and doesn’t get much more depressing than this and the sharp ending leaves one as cold as the subject matter.

“Joker” brings us back to a happier feel with its Banshees-esque guitars and Post/Punk vocal style. The vocals are clear and audible and those layered guitars accompany the thumping bass. I’m briefly reminded of Joy Division in the bridge, but you the listener will hear many an influence in this song. The constant layering make it a standout track and at just shy of 3.5 minutes it has “single” written all over it. “Welcome to the Party” has a vocal as close to a certain Mr. Hugh Cornwell as one is likely to hear. Similar tempo to its predecessor with a happy-go-lucky chorus and a neat keys section mid-song.

“Pay Day” displays more clang in the guitars and it’s much pacier all round. Bass-heavy and more Post/Punk-inspired vocals that are throaty in places. Howard Devoto (Magazine) comes to mind as said vocal becomes more intense through to its conclusion. “Compass Kills” is in complete contrast to the previous seven offerings – sharp, measured and multi-layered both musically and vocally. Subtle basslines and more precise hitting with those shimmering cymbals amid unapologetically dark vocal mannerisms, almost haunting.

“Fixed Grin” takes us back to the more up-tempo theme of previous songs. More throaty vocals fight for space against chunky guitars and a throbbing bass. “Cat Smile….” is the main lyric here – you get the picture! “Permanent Solution” has a vibrant intro with strong hitting and chunky guitars. That bass once again is subtle in the background while the guitar intricacies that begin every verse match more layered vocals. Another twisted chord bridge swirls around before the keys take over. The way it slows to the end keeps one guessing – you just never know what’s coming next. “The Scene” closes this collection in fine fettle. More rasping, gravelly vocals on this belter of a song that evokes memories of Magazine/Buzzcocks. Haunting and downright scary vocals share space with a Joy Division-inspired bridge, before The Stranglers pop up in the conclusion (Tank). By far the best song on here and worth the wait. “The Scene is Dead, Long Live the Scene” – never a truer phrase spoken in jest.

On the back of a DIY-produced five track EP comes this stellar eleven song debut from this relatively new Bournemouth trio. Building on a sparse local following it is time to spread their wings and conquer. This is one of the finest debut’s I have had the pleasure in reviewing. Taking the merest of influences from Post/Punk’s past and creating these fine eleven songs should propel them to bigger and better things. It will be interesting to see if they follow this up with another album’s worth of material, but for now their stock is surely rising.

Track listing
Watcher
Devil in a Dress
Hey!
Go West
Joker
Welcome to the Party
Pay Day
Compass Kills
Fixed Grin
Perm-Anent Solution
The Scene