Band : Buster Shuffle
Album Title : Our Night Out
Label : People Like You Records
Distributor : Century Media – EMI
Release date : 28/03/2011
Release : CD

I've no idea when exactly this London-based Ska Rock band was founded, but I know that lead singer/ pianist Jethro Baker, guitarist/ backing singer James Stickley, stand-up bassist Popeye Doyle (real name Tim Connell) and drummer Terry Maskell self-released this Ian Catskilkin (guitarist with Art Brut) produced album (in a rawer form) in Autumn 2009.

Since then, they've played support to London area shows of the likes of the Wombats, The Paddingtons, The Rifles, White Lies, and Goldie Looking Chain...forging a formidable reputation in lots of London's venues, and becoming welcome regulars at some of London's better night clubs, such as Proud Camden and 93 Feet East. They then left London to go on a UK tour supporting The Holloways, and during October of last year BS accompanied Broilers on a 6-date tour through Germany. Along the way the guys filmed a video for their track “Me Myseld And I”, and heard their music played on radio...including on Radio 1 (by celebrated radio dj Steve Lamack) and BBC Radio London (Gary Crowley). From the smaller and more intimate venues of London, BS grew into a worthy band will can entertain bigger crowds, as proven by the several bigger festival appearances the band already has behind itself. All of this growing success could not but attract people in the music business, and when PLY came along a contract was swiftly drawn and signed. As a result, the whole of Europe is now able to get themselves BS's debut album, the material of which was both remixed and re-mastered.

Highly infectious stuff, with piano and the typical Ska guitar being the forefront instruments. But what really attracts is Baker's Cockney vocals, and his matter-of-fact lyrics which seem to be taken out of everyday life. I mean, each and everyone will feel an instant connection with the singer, having gone through one or two of his songs' situations. Get a whiff of the affective songs by surfing to (www.) myspace.com/bustershuffle, where the band posted 4 of the 13 tracks on the album (which is now re-issued as a deluxe digipack, and will be available in the UK on April 18 too). Additionally, there's video to be viewed at the band's own website (www.) bustershuffle.co.uk. New live dates in Europe and the UK for May and beyond might bring the band in your neck of the woods, and I strongly advice you go see the band play. Will give you a guaranteed night's worth of good fun to be had, I'm sure! Well, as end conclusion I can only add this album to my year-lists!

98/100

Tony.