Push N' Shove
by Jason Edwards
October 6, 2000
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An eagerly anticipated release from this California Neo trad ska band.
I say that with great appreciation for what this band does. For one they
play great music that they love to play. Plus they are one of the few bands
that helped a lot of new ska fans and bands find out what ska REALLY was. This
release with the absence of Alex Desert is no less amazing then there last
"Right on Time". Alex does sing on two songs " Tek dat and You and I". But
for the most part its Greg lee and Deston Berry also the keyboardist doing
most of the singing. They do a mighty fine job of it also. Greg Lee has a
voice that brings you back to the ska and reggae acts of old, and adds a
touch of Old R & B and motown singing style to his own. Deston Berry's voice
is a nice contrast to Lee's and they do very well together. The vocals have
always been one of the major strengths of this group. But by no means does
that mean that in any way any part of this band is lacking at all.
The first track also the title track "Push and Shove" is a nice
rocksteady sounding ditty that wants to make you move your feet and sing
along. With a keys part in the middle that breaks it down very nice. The bass
hops along and keeps you swaying. The 4th track is a nice new version of a
old song "Prison of Love" with Karina from the dance hall crashers adding the
vocals. "Day Dreaming" the 6th track is one of Hepcats great love songs, man
can these guys throw down some nice lyrics. Track 7 is the other standout track
titled" Comin on Strong", a nice upbeat song that gets your feet tapping and
your head bobbing.
Hepcat has a nice habit of releasing nice relaxing feel good music.
Even when the lyrics arent so bright. It still brings a smile to your face.
You can do nothing but appreciate what great musicans they all are. The horn
section consisting of Kincaid Smith on trumpet, and Efren Santana on tenor
sax keep a nice tight sound and provide some very stimulating solos if that's
your thing. Scott Abels keeps the drumming calm collective and brings this
whole operation together along with Dave Fuentes. The guitar playing is
provided by a now full time member Aaron Owens. But this is a nice disc to
add to the Hepcat collection. They seemed to slow down the overall feel of
the album, and be real intent on just grooving to the sounds.
Jason Edwards is Contributing Writer. Contact him at LngGoneBON@aol.com.
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