I give this album 5 with great pleasure, as there are few albums i would ever consider giving a perfect review, this is definately one of my favourite albums that ive heard so far in my life.
"Bang Bang" is Dispatch's second studio album, and was never released on a record label until recently, when they broke up and agreed for Universal to re-release all their old albums, which they sold on tour, and placed in shops in cities their toured.
Influences from reggae are more prominent in this album, and this makes them that much more unclassifiable. This cd contains a vast mix of reggae, conventional rock, funk and first wave ska. At times this album can be very catchy, thought provoking, and chilled out, and because of their sheer originality in some songs, it is a great listen.
Bang Bang starts up with the energetic and bass driven
"Here We Go" in which after a long buildup of an introduction, it goes straight into the chorus, which is undeniably catchy. One of the more energetic songs on the album, and is also very funky, with the bass line fueling the song. All members of the band sing, and at the beginning, harmonising together to bring the song into the chorus.
Next,
"Bats in the Belfry" one of the fan favourites, and is a very unique song. It seems to take alot of influence from ska and reggae, and has a typical chant along chorus. It is very upbeat, and has an enjoyable breakdown and saxophone solo after the 2nd chorus.
"The General" can be easily classified as Dispatch's hit song. If you've heard one song from this band, this would be it. It is a very chilled out, somewhat acoustic song about a reputable general who has all of his soldiers respect, and shocks them with his decision not to fight in a battle, and to back down in fear for the safety of his troops. As well as the very very well written story in the lyrics, this song appears to have it all. The song starts with an acoustic riff filled with runs into chords, and as well as this song being extremely infectious, the two part chorus adding to that, the song finishes with the chant of "Go now, you are forgiven", after the breakdown. One of the best tracks on the album, and the track they would be known for if they were mainstream.
Title track,
"Bang Bang" is a chilled out acoustic song, again telling a story throughout the lyrics. However this story is less meaningful, and is more like a daydream being written down into words. Often not quite making sense, it has very memorable bits to the song, and an reputable riff that fits well throughout the whole song.
Bringing back the electric guitar, we have
"Mission" and once more on the album there is a catchy rock song. Fuelled by the sole electric guitar riff, and complimented by the bassline, this is one of my personal favourites on the album. Lyrics are also very original, and in this song, all members of the band sing.
"Drive" starts off with the beat from bongo drums, and is a strange mix of African drumming, acoustic guitars, and singing. There's even an electric guitar playing a funk filled solo in the midst at one point. It's a very experimental song, but is also very good, being original, and also being infectious.
A softer song, but also a fan favourite
"Two Coins" has a very soft rock feel. A very simplistic song, and not my favourite, but it compliments the album, and is very poppy. Contains the singalong of "I reach into my pockets for some small change." Perhaps too meaningless.
When you hear the bass leading into an upbeat, saxophone led, ska-influenced song, you're hearing the beginning of
"Railway" this song is well made, with a singalong of "Yeah Yeah, I think i heard you," and with all three of the members singing, often stopping the instruments to chant a lyric loud, such as "She was a black tanned bomb shell outta bombay" and to further make the song interesting and unconventional.
"Whirlwind" again starts off with bongo drums and acoustic guitar, and turns out to be a poppy acoustic song, however it comes across well, and although overshadowed by the rest of the album, with the rest being easily accessible, after time, this song really does start to manifest itself.
And to finish the album, the acoustic and very harmonious
"Out Loud," complete with a simple chordal riff, and an almost beautiful love story, about a person calling after his girlfriend, and hoping she will respond in the way he would.
This album is a subtlely amazing album showcasing a nice blend of styles, and i thoroughly recommend it to anyone who hasnt heard them before.
5/5
Standout Tracks: I would like to say there are none, however for introductory purposes:
"Railway", "The General", "Mission" and "Out Loud".
