Five years on from their debut release Tales Of The Expected, Skaema are back with the difficult 3rd album – “As One Door Closes”. I say difficult, nothing could be further from the truth for this most prolific of bands. Hot on the heels of their “Ma-Mighty” Ep in January comes this more experimental side to their canon, showing Skaema to be capable of pushing the envelope somewhat.
“Wasting Time” opens with a rasping Stranglers-esque bass intro from Duncan (bass/vocals) alongside a whirring keys part. A direct vocal delivery, reminiscent of Howard Devoto (Magazine) adds to the classic influences I’m hearing, emphasising their Post/Punk credentials.
Departing drummer Peter takes on vocal duties for album highlight “The Actor”, which by contrast is a complete diversion. I’m struggling for influences here, said vocal is clear and audible; paired to layered guitars, throbbing basslines and gentle cymbal tapping. The lyrics may be heartfelt and honest but at its heart the song is “Pub Rock”, while blurring the lines of other genre’s. Early REM maybe? You the listener decide?!
Recent single “736” is written about the Post Office Scandal – this is a band who have never shied away from difficult subject matter. The chiming guitar intro creates an eerie tension, while the lyrics pull no punches. Delivery-wise (sic) it screams early Hugh Cornwell (The Stranglers) – lyrically mature with a hint of ironic humour. The keys in the bridge take the song on a slight detour, before returning to the tongue-in-cheek, witty vocals.
“Piece By Piece” is classic Skaema. Heavy keys (Mike), fight for recognition against Duncan’s bellowing retorts! Direct and in-yer-face vocalising with a keys accompaniment that weaves in and out of a song that Dave Greenfield (The Stranglers) would be proud of! Lyrically diverse while musically experimental, it has the listener gripped throughout. Duncan’s bass throbs make a welcome return in the bridge, which is a distraction from an otherwise keys-heavy composition.
“Dead Air” stays in a similar vein – slow and brooding. Heavy basslines, simple snare bashing and holding that Post/Punk template close to their hearts. Neil’s lazy, almost disinterested vocal style once again hints at early Stranglers. the bridge offers little respite as it melts into the latter part of the song, but never disappoints.
“Relate” reminds me of Dinosaur Jr (musically), but again the vocal is a complete departure. Honest, heartfelt – story telling even. Layered chords and bass-heavy in the bridge, but the star turn is in the vocal. Brutally honest in content, it’s a lesson in observation. It’s not quite “Up The Junction” (Squeeze) – it’s darker, more thought provoking…..
“Wear It Well” opens with a precise guitar part before a direct vocal announces itself. Snare-heavy hitting; simple bass and guitar lines adorn a chorus that probably won’t win lyric of the year, but it’s catchy. There’s some playful guitar lines and vocal layering but it’s a song I feel may have just been ‘cooked up’ while messing around in a studio?!
“Dancing” shows an experimental side to Skaema. It’s the old slow/fast formula coming into play here. Lyrically in the personal ballpark while tongue-in-cheek in places. The basslines during the second verse kind of set the scene, while that direct vocal comes to the fore.
“Getaway” returns to gloomier themes with its menacing, dark musical intro. The chorus is anthemic, while the lyrics tap into that whole relationship break-up scenario. The bridge pushes the boundaries somewhat, and just when one thinks the song is over it takes an altogether mysterious turn. For me it’s overlong, notably in the chorus which reminds me of bands like The Lemonheads!
I’m always suspicious of bands throwing in a cover, especially one as stripped back as this. I know the band are huge fans of this song/band and I guess it’s a complete departure from the rest of the album, but it does seem a little lost within this collection – “Dessert Rock” anyone?!
Final track “Mothers Ruin” retains that Hugh Cornwell-era Stranglers sound that has been their stock in trade these last five years. It’s a great album closer; dark brooding vocals, flabby basslines and unfussy drums. One can’t help picking up the influence of “A Forest” (The Cure) in the ending…..
So, to sum up; Skaema return with that difficult 3rd album conquered. It’s a glorious mix of classic Post/Punk, experimental noise with occasional nods to American College Rock!!! Up until recently Skaema had cornered the market locally in this genre, but with Traffic Cone Wizard challenging their throne they need to keep ahead of the pack. Both the share a stage on Friday 28th June @ The Four Horsemen in Bournemouth Triangle and you the listener can decide who comes out on top? I for one love both bands so no favouritism on my part. Skaema are well and truly back, that big support tour surely can’t be that far away now…..
Track-Listing
Wasting Time
The Actor
736
Piece by Piece
Dead Air
Relate
Wear it Well
Dancing
Get Away
Personal Jesus (Acoustic)
Mother’s Ruin
Skaema are…
Neil (Lead Vocal, Guitar, Synth)
Duncan (Bass, Backing vocal)
Peter (Drums)
Mike (Keyboard)
Links
https://www.facebook.com/skaemaband
https://skaema.bandcamp.com
Review by Ross A. Ferrone.
